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LIBRARY  OF  THE 

UNIVERSITY  OF  ILLINOIS 

AT  URBANA-CHAMPAIGN 


ILLINOIS  HIS" 


AL  SURVEY 


-^'  eti^c 


1851  1926 

SOUVENIR 

OF  THE 

LAYING  OF  THE  CORNERSTONE 

OF 

t.  iFranna  OI!|urrI| 

Teutopolis,  Illinois 
July  20,  1851 


HISTORICAL  SKETCH 

OF  IHE  VILLAGE  OF 


0^Ut0|J0ltS 


AND  OF 


t.  iFramis  f  ansl| 

BY 

EUGENE  HAGEDORN,  O.  F.  M. 

Author  of  **Beitraege  zur  Geschichte  von 
Teutopolis  und  Umgegend,"  etc. 


1839  1926 

"Local  history  more  than  any  other,  commands  the  most  inter- 
ested attention  for  the  reason  that  it  is  a  record  of  events  in  which 
we  have  a  peculiar  interest,  as  many  of  the  participants  travelled  the 
rugged  and  thorny  pathway  of  life  as  our  companions,  acquaintances, 
and   relatives.'' — .V.   Berry.    "History   of   Effingham    County,   P.   200. 


POPE  PIUS  XL 


\-MJL/^~'^-v—.^l^  ^^'^^-'=^^V.O-v_^_>00,J^ 


RT.  REV.  JAMES  A.  GRIFFIN,  D.  D. 

Bishop  of  Springfield  in  Illinois 


VERY  REV.  MARTIN  STRUB,  0.  F.  M. 
Provincial  of  The  Sacred  Heart  Province 


Introduction 


The  20th  of  July  of  this  year,  1926,  mark-;  the  seventy-fifth  anniversary  of 
the  laying  of  the  cornerstone  of  the  present  church  at  Teutopolis, — a  joyous  event, 
indeed,  for  the  people  of  the  parish.  Elaborate  preparations  were  made  to  cele- 
brate this  event  in  a  becoming  manner.  As  a  contribution  to  this  celebration,  and 
also  as  a  lasting  memorial  of  it,  the  Reverend  Pastor,  Isidore  Fosselmann,  0.  F.  M., 
requested  the  writer  to  compile  a  Jubilee  Souvenir  which  was  to  contain  an  histori- 
cal sketch  of  the  pai'ish  and  town.  The  following  pages  are  the  answer  to  this 
request. 

The  writer  was  able  to  obtain  the  necessary  information  for  his  sketch  not 
only  from  BEITRAEGE  ZUR  GESCHICHTE  VON  TEUTOPOLIS  UND  UMGE- 
GEXD,  published  on  the  occasion  of  the  Golden  Jubilee  on  January  2.  3,  and  4,  1902, 
but  also  from  a  number  of  sources  which  have  become  available  since  then;  par- 
ticularly the  manuscript  REMINISCENCES  OF  MR.  CHARLES  EVERSMAN,  a 
well-known  citizen  of  Teutopolis;  the  files  of  the  EFFINGHAM  VOLKSBLATT;  and 
of  THE  TEUTOPOLIS  PRESS.  Hence,  though  it  was  impossible  at  this  late 
date  to  clear  up  several  doubtful  points,  the  writer  has  been  able  to  present  a 
pretty  accurate  and  complete  sketch  of  the  town  and  parish. 

It  need  scarcely  be  emphasized  that  truth  above  all  was  .sought  and  that 
■"charity  towards  all,  with  malice  tov/ards  none"  was  the  guiding  sentiment  of  the 
writer  in  his  work.  Hence,  we  hope  that  the  reader  will  kindly  overlook  any  er- 
roneous statement  that  may  have  crept  into  the  manuscript,  and  also  any  over- 
sight that  may  have  occurred.  Lack  of  time  and  space  are  the  reasons  why  some 
persons  or  events  have  been  omitted  or  treated  but  briefly. 

The  writer  would  think  him.self  very  ungrateful,  if  he  did  not  express  his 
heartfelt  thanks  to  all  that  assisted  him  in  any  way  in  his  work.  In  a  particular 
manner  he  wishes  to  thank  Mr.  Frank  Eversman,  of  Effingham,  for  the  loan  of 
his  father's  Reminiscences;  Very  Rev.  Roger  Middendorf,  O.  F.  M.,  Chronicler  of 
the  Province  of  the  S.  Heart  of  Jesus,  Rev.  Max.  Klotzbucher,  O.  F.  M.,  Rev.  Greg- 
oire,  of  St.  Francis  Xavier  Cathedral,  Vincennes,  Ind.,  Rev.  J.  Delaney,  of  St.  Pat- 
rick's Church,  Indiana,  Mr.  F.  P.  Kenkel,  K.  S.  G.,  Director  of  the  Centralstelle,  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  Rev.  Silas  Earth,  O.  F.  M.,  Quincy,  111.,  Rev.  H.  H.  Regnet,  S.  J.,  Librari- 
an of  the  St.  Louis  University,  "MrTS.  Brumleve,  who  collected  the  photos  of  our  sol- 
dier boys;  Mr.  Jos.  G.  Habing,  E-Circuit  Clerk;  IMiss  Clara  Worman  of  the  "Wor- 
man  Abstract  Company,"  both  of  Effingham,  for  copies  of  the  Plat  of  Teutopolis  and 
other  documents;  the  Uptmor,  Hess,  Siemer  and  John  Repking  families,  Messrs. 
Barney  Overbeck,  Jo.seph  Stallings,  Wm.  H.  Dust,  Leo  Westendorf,  John  Mette, 
Ven.  Sr.  Ethelberta  de  Notre  Dame,  Mis.ses  T.  Nosbisch  and  Sylv.  Brumleve,  Mrs. 
Mueller,  Mr.  Hakman,  ^Mrs.  Chas.  Eversman,  Mr.  John  Niehaus.  etc.  The  new  en- 
gravings are  the  work  of  Professor  P.  C.  Raymer,  Effingham,  111.,  who  has  done 
excellent,  the  brief  time  and  notwithstanding  poor  photos  and  cuts. 

THE  AUTHOR. 


w 


DESIGN   OF  THE  PRESENT  CHURCH  IN   1851 
ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH,  TEUTOPOLIS,  EFFINGHAM  CO.,  ILL. 

Rev.  Joseph  Zoegel,  Pastor 
Width  of  Church  60  feet,  length  110  feet,  height  of  tower  180  feet. 


PARTI 

History  of  the  Village  of  Teutopolis 


The  village  of  Teutopolis  is  situated  in  the  township  of  the  same  name,  in 
the  northeastern  part  of  Effingham  County.  Its  main  thoroughfare  is  the  Cumber- 
land, or  Old  National  Road,  traversing  the  state  of  Illinois  between  Terre  Haute,  In- 
diana, to  St.  Louis,  ^Missouri.  The  St.  Louis  division  of  the  Pennsylvania  Railroad 
also  passes  through  the  town. 

The  township  of  Teutopolis  was  part  of  Douglas  Township  until  December  1863, 
resp.  April  1864.  According  to  the  HISTORY  OF  EFFINGHAM  COUNTY,  pub- 
lished in  1883,  the  reasons  for  the  separation  were  these:  "During  the  late  (Civil) 
war,  this  township  (Teutopolis)  had  furnished  a  large  number  of  volunteers  for 
the  army,  and  as  the  government  was  making  a  draft  for  soldiers,  a  just  credit 
could  not  be  given  for  this  section  unless  they  were  divided  from  the  old  Township. 
Proper  steps  were  taken  for  a  change  and  a  new  towniship  was  created.  Another 
reason  for  this  change  was,  that  this  part  of  the  Township  had  a  voting  precinct, 
and  when  the  county  adopted  township  organization,  the  voting  precinct  was  set 
aside,  all  voters  being  required  to  go  to  Effingham,  a  distance  of  four  miles,  to 
vote.  This  was  put  up  as  a  strong  ground  for  a  new  township,  whicji  would  give 
the  people  a  voting  place  nearer  home.  After  the  township  was  set  off,  a  proper 
distribution  of  volunteers  was  made,  and  it  was  found  that  the  new  township  had 
more  volunteers  than  its  ratio  of  the  draft  called  for,  and  hence  (at  first — Ed.) 
no   draft  was  made  here." 

Teutopolis  Township  comprises  11,520  acres,  much  of  which  was  originally 
timber-land;  as  late  as  1883,  though  much  of  the  land  had  been  cleared,  there  were 
still  about  5000  acres  of  timber,  consisting  mainly  of  ash,  walnut,  hiclcory,  cotton- 
wood,  maple,  and  several  varieties  of  oak.  The  land  is  fertile;  wheat,  oats,  and 
corn  are  the  staple  crops.  The  northern  part  of  the  township  is  drained  by  Salt 
Creek  and  Willow  Creek. 

THE  GERMAN  LAND  COMPANY 

The  village  of  Teutopolis  was  founded  by  Catholic  Germans  who  had  immi- 
grated from  the  kingdom  of  Hanover  and  the  grand-duchy  of  Oldenburg  and  had 
made  Cincinnati  and  vicinity  their  stopping-place  before  proceeding  farther.  "Some: 
stayed  six  months,  some  a  year,  some  five  or  six  years,  in  order  to  earn  sufficient 
means  to  pay  for  eighty  or  one  hundred  ac.res  of  government  land  and  enough  be- 
sides to  start  life  thereon.  The  Catholic  Germans  came  into  the  city  at  the  rate 
of  two  hundred  or  more  every  day,  and  }>erhaps  a  tenth  as  many  left  the  city  every 
day,  going  to  Ohio,  Illinois,  Missouri,  Louisiana,  and  Wisconsin."  (WAHRHEITS- 
FREUND,  Vol.  IV,  October  1,  1840,  page  70).  Among  these  Germans,  there  were 
two  brothers,  Herman  H.  and  Clement  Uptm.or,  who  had  come  to  this  country  in 
the  summer  of  1834  and  had  found  employment  as  carpenters  at  Cincinnati  for 
two  years,  and  at  Vicksburg,  Mississippi,  for  half  a  year,  after  which  they  returned 
to  Cincinnati.  Here  Clement  conceived  the  idea  of  organizing  a  company,  to  pur- 
chase government  land  in  a  state  west  of  Ohio,  and  found  a  colony  of  Catholic 
Germans.  Accordingly,  he,  with  two  or  three  others,  about  in  1837,  organized  the 
"German  Land  Company"  (Deutsche  Land-Compagnie  oder  Ansiedlungsgesellschaft). 
In  a  short    time,  the    number  of  members    increased  to   nine,    and  finally  to   141. 

—  9  — 


Each  member  contributed  $10  nonthly,  until  a  sum  -was  at  hand  sufficient  to  pur- 
chase a  tract  of  lanil  that  seemed  large  enough  for  the  purpose  intended,  and  be- 
sides $10  to  defray  the  expenses  of  the  Company.  A  committee  of  three  was 
chosen  to  find  land  suitable  for  the  colony.  This  committee,  consisting  of  Clement 
Uptmor,  John  F.  Waschefort,  and  Gerard  H.  Bergfeld,  set  out  on  April  17,  1837, 
visited  several  places  in  Ind-^ana,  crossed  the  state  in  the  latitude  of  Vincennes, 
explored  a  large  part  of  Illinois,  and  travelled  as  far  west  as  Chillicothe,  Missouri. 
Dissatisfied  with  the  practic.e  of  slavery  existing  there,  they  returned  to  Illinois, 
passing  through  it  near  the  latitude  of  Quincy  and  Jacksonville.  Alton  and  Shelby 
County  and  the  land  near  Mattoon  were  also  examined,  and  finally  proceeded  to 
the  land  office  at  Vandalia,  at  that  time  the  capital  of  the  state.  After  carefully 
examining  the  books  at  the  office,  they  decided  to  buy  a  tract  of  land  mostly 
Government  land  in  the  northeastern  part  of  Effingham  County,  which  they  found 
to  be  suft'iciently  large  and  well  c,overed  with  timber.  They  could,  indeed,  have 
found  more  fertile  land  near  Mattoon,  Illinois,  etc.,  but,  like  m.ost  of  their  country- 
men, they  were  ignorant  of  the  virtue  of  the  black  soil  and  considered  the  prairie 
unsuitable  for  cultivation,  partly  because  the  prairie  in  their  native  land  was 
such,  partly  because  the  prairie  in  these  parts  v>ras  swampy  and  without  drainage. 
For  the  latter  reason,  the  air  of  the  piairie  was  certainly  unwholesome,  and  for 
many  years  the  early  settlers  were  subject  to  the  attacks  of  malaria  fever.  The 
committee  was  also  guided  in  its  choice  of  the  land  by  the  practical  consideration 
of  having  sufficient  wood  for  building  purposes  and  for  fuel. 

PURCHASE  OF  THE  LAND 

After  an  absence  of  fifteen  weeks,  the  members  of  the  committee  returned  to 
Cincinnati  and  made  their  report.  At  the  suggestion  of  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor, 
the  location  of  the  land  was  not  made  known,  lest  any  land  shark  take  advantage 
of  this  knowledge  a;id  enrich  himself  at  the  expense  of  the  prospective  buyers. 
The  committee  also  offered  to  lead  any  members  of  the  Land  Company  who  might 
be  chosen  to  Effingham  County,  to  enable  them  to  inspect  the  land  for  themselves. 
Messrs.  John  ''Gerard  Meyer,  and  Henry  Roennebaum  were  chosen  for 
the  purpose.  They  v/ere  also  commissioned  to  buy  the  land,  if  they  found 
it  satisfactory,  and  for  this  purpose  the  .=um  of  $16,000  was  entrusted  to  them. 
Since  railroad  facilities  were  entirely  lacking  at  that  time,  they,  together  with 
Messrs.  Clement  Uptmor,  John  F.  Waschefort.  and  Gerard  Bergfeld,  the  first  com- 
mittee, set  out  from  Cincinnati  to  Effingham  County  on  foot,  taking  with  them  a 
single  horse  which  they  took  turns  in  riding,  and  to  the  saddle  of  which  they 
fastened  the  bags  containing  the  money.  Two  of  the  party,  well  armed,  walked 
at  either  side  of  the  horse.  They  arrived  at  their  destination  without  mishap  at 
the  end  of  June,  1838.  Satisfied  with  the  location  and  nature  of  the  land,  both 
committees  preceded  to  Vandalia,  anil  on  July  5  and  6,  concluded  all  conditions 
necessary  for  the  purchase  of  the  land.  The  tract  consisted  of  about  10,000  acres 
at  $1.25  an  acre;  forty  acres,  belonging  largely  to  veterans  of  the  Black  Hawk 
War,  were  bought  by  Mr.  Waschefort  for  $5,00  an  acre.  Mr.  Waschefort  had  been 
instructed  to  buy  all  the  land  in  his  name  and  to  make  out  the  deeds  to  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Company.  On  July  6,  1848,  he  had  to  furnish  bond  to  the  amount  of 
$15,000.00  to  John  Henry  Roennebaum,  John  Gerard  Meyer,  Gerard  Henry  Bergfeld 
and  Clement  Uptmor. 

PLATTING  OF  THE  LAND 

Before  returning  to  Cincinnati,  Mr.  Wm.  J.  Hankins,  Effingham  County  Sur- 
veyor, was  engaged  and  the  purchased  land  was  then  surveyed  and  platted.     The 


N.  B.— *GEORGE  is  frequently  used  here  instead  of  GERARD. 

—  10  — 


plat;  which  v.as  recorded  in  the  Superior  Court,  in  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  on  September 
21,  1839,  read  as  follows: 

PLAT 

(entitled   as    in    margin)    Date    of   Filing   and    of 
Plan  of  the  Totot  of  Teutopolis    recording  not  noted.     Recorded   in     Book   A     at 
hi  Effingham  County  ]:'ages  242,  243,  244,  245  and  246.     No  Surveyor's 

State  of  Illinois,  Certificate.     Then    follows    Statements    and    Cer- 

tificates viz:  "Description  of  the  Town  of  Teu- 
topolis. Being  the  North  half  of  Section  24  aLso 
the  West  half  of  the  South  West  quarter  of  Section  Number  24  and  the  South  West 
quarter  of  Section  13,  also  the  West  half  of  the  South  East  quarter  of  Section  13 
in  Township  Number  Eight  North  in  Range  Six  East  of  the  third  principle  mereadi- 
an  in  Effingham  County,  State  of  Illinois,  the  Red  lines  represent  the  Bowndries 
of  the  Town,  the  Streets  Runing  Eastwartly  &  westerly  are  Laid  out  parrell  to  the 
National  Rode  or  mr.in  Streete  and  are  ach  sixty  feet  wide,  except  Northun  Rowe 
&  Suthun  Rowe  which  are  thirty  feat  wide,  the  national  Rode  or  mane  Street  is 
Eighty  feet  wide,  the  streets  runing  Northly  &  Southly  at  Right  angles  with  the 
national  Rode  or  Mane  Street  Between  Garretts  &  Smiths  Streets  are  e-ach  sixty 
feet  wide,  from  Suthern  Row  to  northern  Row  ethe  Remaining  streets  are  Each 
thirty  feat  wide  the  Blocks  or  Squares  between  Garrett  and  Smith  Streets  and 
Suth.in  Row  and  Northen  Row  are  Numbered  from  1  to  48  inclusive,  the  Blocks  or 
Squares      Nos.      1-2-3-4-5-6-11-12-13-14-17-18-19-20-21-22-23-24-2.5-26-27-28-29-30-3.3- 


P. 

^ 

m 

MR.  HENRY  STALLINGS 

Settled  here  about  1825  or  1828 


MR.  HENRY  UPTMOR 
The  Soldier  (A.  D.  1868) 


S4-35-36-37-38-39-40-41-42-43-44-45  &  46  measures  Each  449  feet  10  inches  Easterly 
and  Westerly  and  533  feat  Northerly  and  Sutherly.  Blocks  or  Squares  No.  7,  9  & 
10  are  Each  449  feat  10  inches  Eastwardly  &  westerley  an  383  feat  Northely  and 
Suthely  Block  or  Square  No.  8  is  449  feet  10  inches  Easterley  and  westerly  and 
333  feat  Northerly  and  Southerly.  Blocks  or  Squares  Nos.  15,  31  &  47  are  frac- 
tionals  the  in  Lots  cantained  with  these  Blocks  or  Squares  are  Each  49  1-2  feat 
in  fiunt  and  533  feat  Deep,  exr.ept  the  Lots  in  Square  Nos.  7-9  &  10  which  are  383 

-— 11  — 


feet  Deep  in  Square  No.  8  the  Lots  are  333  feet  Deep  the  Lots  Nos.  72  &  103  in 
Square  No.  15  and  Lots  No.  105  in  Square  No.  31  and  Lots  Nos,  100  &  101  in 
Square  47  are  fractional  Lots,  the  Out  Lots  North  of  Northun  Rowe  and  West 
of  Smith  Streete  and  South  of  Suthun  Row  and  East  of  Gearrad  Street  are  num- 
bered from  1  to  one  142  inclusive,  the  Distance  and  Sise  of  Each  Lot  is  Set  Down 
in  fig-ures  on  the  platt  the  Distance  and  size  of  those  Lots  or  Tracts  of  Land  culerd 
Red  and  marked  a,  b,  c,  D,  E,  F,  G,  H,  I  is  set  Down  on  the  plat  thare  is  a  strip 
of  10  feet  Leaft  all  Round  between  the  Lines  of  the  Town  fractions  &  the  Sections 
Lines. 

L  John  F.  Washford  having  Laid  out  and  having  Directed  to  be  surveyed  and 
plated  the  Lands  Represented  on  this  plat  I  John  Ferdanand  Washfort  for  myself 
my  heirs  and  assigns  do  addapt  Rattifey  and  confirm  said  plat  so  laid  Down  it  is 
ordered  provided,  always  that  when  one  third  of  all  the  owners  of  any  one  Blocjc 
or  Square  may  wish  to  have  an  Ally  opened  through  the  same  the  other  tow  third 
shall  pramit  such  Ally  to  be  opened,  the  Streets  are  set  apart  and  Dedardcated  as 
Righsts  of  ways  for  publick  uses  for  Ever  those  parts  of  Squares  or  Blocks  in  No.  7 
Seven  &  10  Ten  culerd  Red  marked  B  &  F  are  Dedicated  for  publick  market  places 
for  Ever,  that  part  of  Block  or  Square  No.  8  Eight  Culerd  Red  and  marked  G.  also 
out  Lots  Culerd  Red  and  marked  C.  D.  &  E  are  Dedcated  for  the  use  of  the  German 
Roman  Catholic  Church  and  Sc.hool  that  Lot  or  Block  culerd  Red  and  marked  H  is 
Dedicated  for  the  use  of  said  Church  for  Burrings  Ground,  that  part  of  Block  or 
Square  marked  A  and  Cullerd  Red  in  Block  of  Square  Nos.  9  nine  is  Dedicated  for 
public  Ground  under  the  controle  an  Direction  of  the  munisiple  athorrities  of  said 
Town  forever. 

In  Witness  whareof  I  have  hereunto  set  my  hand  and  seal  this  the  Twenty  first 
day  of  September  in  the  yeare  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  Eight  hundred  and  thirty 
nine 

Signed  sealed  and  acknowledged  JOHN  FERDANAND  WASHFORT  (seal) 

in  presence  of  us  whoe  signed 
the  same  as  Wittneses 

JOHN  A.  WISEMAN 
State  of  Ohio  Hamilton  County  Sc,t. 

Before  me  Daniel  Gano  Clerk  of  the 
Superior  Court  of  Cincinnati  within  and  for  said  County  pursonally  appeared  John 
J.  Washfort  the  purson  whoe  Granted  and  Executed  the  within  Plat  an  whose  sig- 
nature is  within  Given  to  the  adoption  and  approvel  &c.  of  the  same  and  acknowl- 
edged the  same  to  be  his  free  and  voluntary  act  and  deed  for  the  uses  and  purposes 
therein   mentioned  and  contained. 

In   Testimony  whereof  I  Have  hereunto   set  my  hand  and   seal   of  said  Court 
at  Cincinnati  this  27th  day  -  November  1839. 
(seal)  Daniel  Gano  Clerk  of  the  Superior  Court  Cinty 

H.  C.  Ohio. 
State  of  Ohio  Hamilton  County  set. 

I  David  R.  Estes  sole  Judge  of  the 
Superior  Court  of  Cincinnati  do  hereby  certify  that  Daniel  Gano  whose  certificate 
is  above  Given  is  Clerk  of  the  said  Court  an  the  Attestation  is  in  Due  form  of 
Law.     Given  under  my  hand  and  seal  at  Cincinnati  this  27th  day  of  Nov.  1839. 
(seal)  D.  R.  ESTES. 

When  the  plat  was  finished  it  became  evident  that  there  were  not  enough  lots 
for  each  40  acres.  Accordingly  another  tract  of  80  acres  was  bought  and  laid  out 
in  garden  lots  to  be  given  with  each  forty  acres.  One  front  lot,  one  back  lot  and 
one  garden  lot  incl.  40  acres,  cost  each  member  of  the  Company  $50.00.  (Chas. 
Eversman). 

—  13  — 


Old  Parochial  Residence. 


Public  School,  1855.     C.  Uptmor  IV's  Store. 


ST.  FRANCIS'  CHURCH,  A.  D.  1862. 


—  14  — 


]\Iain  Street,  the  old  National  Road,  now  Trail  11,  is  eighty  feet  in  width; 
all  other  streets,  except  Northern  and  Southern  Row,  are  sixty  feet  wide.  The 
town  was  divided  into  48  blocks,  each  block  containing  nine  lots  of  49  1-2  feet 
front  and,  with  few  exceptions,  of  533  feet  depth.  Outside  of  the  blocks,  there 
were  lets  called  garden,  or  out  lots,  varying  in  size  from  one  to  two  acres. 

This  plat  was  recorded  at  Vandalia,  on  June  9.  1841.  An  entry  in  the  church 
records  under  this  date  reads:  "1841,  June  9,  For  recording  the  plat  of  the  town, 
paid  $9.00." 

On  July  23,  1839,  the  following  resolutions  were  drawn  up  at  Cincinnati  by 
the  Committee  of  the  Company: 

1.  Resolved  by  a  majoiity  of  votes:  that,  at  the  distribution  by  lot 
of  the  town  lots,  each  member  of  the  Company  having  40  acres  of  land 
shall  be  assessed  $5  00  toward  the  building  of  a  church;  and  that  the  land 
bought  over  and  above  the  amount  necessary  for  the  allotment  of  the  40 
acres  and  the  lots,  be  set  apart,  for  the  present,  as  church  land. 

2.  Resolved;  that  any  member,  more  than  15  ac.res  of  whose  land 
are  prairie  land,  shall  be  entitled  to  put  in  a  claim  to  a  part  of  the  church 
land. 

3.  Resolved:  that  any  member  having  a  claim  to  a  part  of  the 
church  land,  must  be  satisfied  with  the  drawing  of  lots  for  the  church  land. 

4.  Resolved:  that  twice  80  acres  subsequently  bought  by  Mr. 
Waschefort.  shall  become  the  property  of  the  Company. 

These  resc'utions  were  voted  on  and  adopted  at  a  meeting  of  the  Company, 
on  August  28,  1838. 

ALLOTMENT  OF  THE  LAND 

In  the  fall  of  the  sam.e  year,  1838,  the  allotment  of  the  land  took  plac,e  in 
Cincinnati,  in  the  old  engine-house  between  Sixth  and  Seventh  Streets.  Slips  of 
paper  marked  with  numbers  corresponding  to  those  of  the  plat,  designating  40  acres 
of  farmland,  the  town  lots,  and  garden  lots,  v;ere  placed  in  a  hat;  and  each  mem- 
ber of  the  Company  received  the  land  and  lots  marked  on  the  slip  which  he  drew 
from  the  hat.  IJr.  John  F.  Waschefort  then,  in  behalf  of  the  Company,  made  out 
the  necessary  deeds.  Now  the  location  of  the  land  was  made  known.  One  of  the 
Committee  had  been  sent  to  Vandalia  to  purchase  land  for  the  three  members  of 
the  original  committee. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  the  members  of  the  Campany  who  shai-ed  in  the 
allotment  of  the  land.  The  list  is  taken  from  a  notebook  of  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor, 
one  of  the  Dirertors  of  the  Company  at  Teutopolis  since  January  1840. 

♦ORIGINAL  AIEMBERS  OF  THE  GERMAN  LAND  COMPANY  OF  CINCINNATL 

OHIO,   1838. 

(From  the  Note  Book  of  ]Mr.  Clement  Uptmor,  one  of  the  three  Teutopolis  Directors) 

Name*                                             No.  of  No.  of  No.  of           No.  of 

Lot  Outlot  40  Acres           80  Acres 

Arns  (Arnzen?),  Bernard  17  10  114  28(?.) 

Art,    Hy 96  101  122  31 

Brockmann,  Bernard  Hy 1  21  49  14 

Bussmann,    Joseph    5  27  71 

Boving,  John  Fred 7  1  64  12(82—12) 

*We  cannot  guarantee  the  correct  spelling  in  a  number  of  cases. — Editor. 

—  15  — 


House  of  Mr.  Clem  Vahling  (Nick  Schnur)  north-east  of  Teutopolis,  Dec.  1839 


Boeckmann,  Joseph  10 

Boeckmann,  Joseph  13 

Brinckmann,   Francis 15 

Buddeke,  John  Hy 55 

Beerns,  Joseph 58 

Bergfeld,  John  Herman  72 

Bergmann,  Francis .-.  86 

Bergfe^d,  Gcr.  Hv 90 

Bergfeld,  Ger.  Hy 97 

Bruemmer,  John  Hy 104 

Brockmann,  Joseph 108 

Bietenhorn,   Francis   120 

Berns,  John 128 

Brockamp,  Joseph  133 

Boving,  .fohn  Herman 32 

Drever,  Bernard  Hy.  41 

Deters,  Ger.  Hy 65 

Decken   (?),  Herman  Hy 79 

Determann,  Hy 125 

Frieling,   John 40 

Frommeyer,   Fred 76 

Feldkacke.  Joseph 112 

Frev,    Josenh    136 

Goos  (Gohs?),  John  Mathias  6 

Grobmeyer,    Rudolph    60 

Grobmeyer,    Hy 84 

Grunkemeyer,  John   Hy 141 

Hille,  .A.nna  Maria  21 

—  16- 


12 

54 

30 

93 

26 

17 

42(73- 

-34) 

66 

89 

47 

55 

127 

7 

85 

103 

99 

29 

86 

132 

37 

72 

87 

37 

87 

60 

40(74- 

-72) 

131 

139 

128 

119 

134 

S3 

38(81- 

-76) 

129 

6 

22 

55 

27 

47 

137 

32 

68 

7 

49 

68 

58 

15(82- 

-12) 

135 

74 

43 

67 

93 

102 

124 

138 

13(J) 

127 

131 

3 

130 

24 

61 

23 

26 

95 
120 

136 
20 

5 

33 

37 

Hahnhorst,  Ger.  Hy 23  36  70 

Hille,   Bernard  Hy 33  11  113             30(J) 

Hussmann,  Anton  44  53  112 

Hille,  John  Hy 48  41  95             44(^37—9) 

Huelle,  Conrad  62  48  11 

Hahnhorst  (?),  Dietrich  68  18 

Hussmann,   Hy 70  54  51 

Hardmann  (?),  Herman  Hy 93  103  21             50 

Holtvog-t,  Herman  Anthony  95  104  72 

Hackmann,   Hy 105  100  109 

Huemler,  John  Wm 129  130  27             28(i) 

Imwalde,  Hy 36  8  121 

Imbusch,  John  Hy 98  73  111                1(J) 

Inkrod  (Unkraut?),  Bernard  113  121                 4 

lonning   (Janning?),   Bernard   123  139  318 

Kempker.  Hy 22  13  135 

Kramer,   Francis   27  28  78 

Kabbes,  John  Hy 51  75  66               8 

Kreke,   Arnold   52  60  116 

Keyser,  Joseph  53  45  41 

Krieg,  Joseph  57  56 

Kenter,    Herman    63  51  28 

Korfhagen,  John   Ger 81  84  28             21(81—76) 

Kleyne,   Joseph   83  77  43             30(J) 

Kabbes,  John  Hy 87  67  22 

Kuenne,   Albert   88  30(40—72) 

Klaene   (Klone?),  Hy 99  88  99 

Kark,  Jacob  John  106  96  13 

Koemppe,    Joseph    115  111  50 

Church  and  School  109 

Krieg,    Bernard    92 

Luegers,   Hy 77  105  129 

Lange,   Gerard   82  81                 8               2ih) 

Losekamp,    Hy 131  117                 5 

Mever,    Francis    8  16  90 

Mesch,   Joseph    9  20  115 

Macke.  Fred  24  4  80 

Moritz  (Morits?),  Joseph  45  63  77 

Moritz,    Christopher   66  69  24 

Meyer,  Gerard   85  90  79 

Meyer,  Francis  89  97  82 

Mindrup,  John  Hy 92  76  98 

Mette,  Joseph 119  113                 9 

Meyer,  Hy.  Joseph  137  119  141 

Mayer,    Clem 19(1) 

Niehaus,  John  Hy 73  82  42 

Norre  (Nurre?),  Bernard  100 

Ostendorf,  Joseph  46  62  68             44(^) 

Pudhof,  Francis  Hy 14  9  33 

Plaspohl,  John  Hy 67  58  94             22 

Pudick,  Eliz 118  133  84 

Pisbach,  (Rev.)   Wm 140  141  85             18     52 

Ruemping,  Francis  25  2  107               4 

Rabe,  Clem 31  6     35       38             19 

Rueckener,  Wm : 35  19  128 

Ronnebaum,  John  H 39  64  101               9 

**Rueckener,   Christian   43  59                  1 

Rolfes,  Wm 59  57  140 

Rehkamp,  Hei-m.  Hy. 64  37  96 

Roecken,   Gerard   80  106  120 

Renschen,  John  Hy 110  112  65 

Rickelmann.    Herm.   Hy 114  132  61             34 

Riesenbeck,    Bernard 116  126             34 

Rabe,  John  H.  Jos 133  116  100             45(^) 

**The  following  names  are  written  with  different  ink;     these     men     probably 
joined  the  "Landkompagnie"  later  than  the  preceeding  ones. 

—  17  — 


J.  H.  Rabe  and  H.  H.  Uptmor  142             115  75 

Rabe,  John  Hy 45(h) 

Schulte,   Rudolph  2             23               49  2{i) 

Stuckenborg,  Joseph 4  110 

Schulte    (Schuette?),  Gerard 19             24                 2  16 

Schwegmann,  Jos 26               31  76 

Schoenhoeft,  Christian  28                14  134 

Schuerbrock,  Herman  H 54               42  48 

Schmidt,    Hy 56             50             125  33 

Springmeyer,  David  74               80  133 

Sudbeck,  Anthony  102                72  40 

Schovedic.k,  Caspar 103                74  91 

Schilmoeller,  John  G Ill              123  105 

Schleper,  Clem  F 126             128  32 

Stolteben,    Hy 127           140               59  33(74—72) 

Sander,  Casper  Geo 139             107  69 

Schriewer,   Francis   43(74 — 18) 

Thies,   Theo 38               38  45 

Tobe,  John   (Wessel?)   47             49                12  29 

Thoele,  Peter  50               46  81 

Tongemann   (Tangemann?),  Bern 61             39             117  11 

Thoele,  .A.nton 101             97                10  13 

Thoele,    Dietrich    117              125  124 

Thoelking,  .A.lbert   135           108               47  20 

Uthell,  Wm,,  Sr 3                17  52 

Uptmor,  John  H 30                18  73 

Uptmor,  Herm.  H 75             88                16  17 

Uptmor,  C.  and  H.  H - 121              118  86 

Uptmor,  Maria  Anna  124              136  19 

Utmor,  Clem 134           122               46  48 

Verwick,  Bern.  A 11                25  53 

Vennemann,    Ger 18                15  88 

Vennemann,  3rd  Anthony  29                  7  14 

Vorke,  Otto  -... - 34             ^5                36  1(§) 

Vennemann,  Jos ■                   71                65  35 

Vennemann,   Anthony,    1st   91                89  120 

Vennemann,    Theo 94             91                57  35 

Vennemann,   Anthony   2nd   107           110               56  51 

Vormor,  John  H .'. 130           114             104  46(86—96) 

Waschefort,    Casper 12                34  3 

Welage,  Joseph   16             32                31  10 

Westendorf   Joseph  20               29  106 

Wempe,  H.  H.  37               40  15 

Windhaus,    Ger 42                71  39 

Wernsing,  Hy 49             70             108  23(81—76) 

Wempe,  H.  H 78               94  26 

Waschefort,  John  Ferd 122           109                62  36 

Zumbrink,  Anthony  69             44              126  3 

Zerrusen.  H.  H.  and  B.  H 25 

NAME  OF  THE  SETTLEMENT 

After  the  land  had  thus  been  distributed  by  lot,  the  question  of  the  name  to 
be  given  the  new  settlement  was  next  taken  up.  The  following  names  were  pro- 
posed: New  Cincinnati,  Covington,  Newport,  Sebastopol,  Muenster,  Hanover, 
Germantovv^n,  and  St.  Peter.  The  names  Hanover  and  Germantown  seem  to  have 
been  most  acceptable,  but  the  postal  authorities  at  Washington  informed  the  mem- 
bers of  the  Company  that  these  names  had  already  been  adopted  by  settlements  in 

Clinton  County,  Illinois.     Thereupon  it  was  decided  by  a  majority  of  votes  to  call 

the    new    settlement    ST.    PETER.     The    Rev.    William    Pisbach,   a  member    of   the 

Company,  however,  or  as  Rev.  Anselm  Puetz,  O.  F.  M.,  learned  of  Mr.  Clement 
Uptmor  I,  the  Rt.  Rev.  John  B.  Purcell,  Bishop  of  Cincinnati,  proposed  the  name 
of  TEUTOPOLIS.  The  mem.bers  were  reluctant  to  adopt  this  "strange"  name; 
but  when  they  were  told  that  it  signified  "City  of  Teutons,  or  Germans,"  they  were 
satisfied  and  adopted  it  in  place  of  that  of  St.  Peter. 

—  18  — 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  FOUNDING  OF  TEUTOPOLIS,  A.  D.,  APRIL  1839— THE  CIVIL  WAR,  1861 


BEGINNING  OF  THE  SETTLEMENT 

Thus  far  the  plans  for  the  founding  of  the  settlement  had  been  successfully 
carried  out,  and  the  members  of  the  Land  Company  prepared  to  leave  Cincinnati 
and  vicinity  for  Illinois,  but  for  various  reasons  few  were  able  to  do  so  at  once. 
The  first  to  make  the  journey  and  settle  on  their  allotted  land,  were  Mr.  Henry 
Vormor  and  wife,  Mr.  John  H.  Bergfeld,  Mr.  John  Bernard  Tebbe,  later  at  Green 
Creek,  in  Effingham  Sounty,  Mr.  J.  H.  Uptmor  and  family  and  others — seven  fam- 
ilies in  all.  Ml.  Vormor  was  the  only  one  who  owned  a  team  and  wagon.  These  ar- 
rived in  April,  1839.  At  that  time,  it  may  be  well  to  add  here,  several  Americans 
were  living  in  what  is  now  the  Township  of  Teutopolis:  John  Gannoway  (called 
Gennivers  by  the  pioneer  Geimans),  on  the  farm  now  belonging  to  Judge  Barney 
Overbeck;  James  Leavitt,  Kit  and  Nicholas  (Nick)  Radley,  on  the  present  Lueken 
or  Ordner's  place;  Mr.  Benjamin  Stallings,  since  1825;  and  Mr.  (Aaron)  Williams, 
a  passionate  hunter. 


MR.  AND  MRS.  H.  VORMOR 
Came  April  1839 

The  next  to  come  from  Cincinnati  in  1839,  perhaps  in  April,  were,  Joseph  Boeck- 
mann,  G.  H.  Niemann,  H.  Bruemmer,  and  Joseph  Ostendorf.  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor, 
the  founder  of  the  Land  Company,  who  in  September,  1839,  married  Miss  Mary  E. 

—  19  — 


Niehaus  at  Cincinnati;  Mr.  Clement  Vahling  and  wife;  and  Herman  H.  Uptmor 
reached  the  piesent  site  of  Teutopolis  on  December  21  of  the  same  year.  To  find 
shelter  against  the  severe  cold,  they  occupied  a  pen  whicji  probably  belonged  to 
Mr.  Radley,  and  from  which  they  had  driven  the  animals  kept  in  it.  This  pen 
stood  about  half  a  mile  northeast  of  the  present  church.  Next  day,  they  began 
the  building  of  a  log  house  for  Mr.  Clement  Vahling,  in  which  the  three  families 
lived  until  each  had  a  house  of  its  own.  This  log  house,  with  the  date  cai-ved 
in  a  log  above  the  door,  is  .still  standing.  Frank  Maurice  Masquelet,  B.  H.  Vogt, 
Joseph  Woermann,  John  Steinkes,  and  Jacob  Doedtmann  came  at  the  end  of  1839 
or  at  the  beginning  of  1840. 

In  January,  1840,  the  Directors  of  the  Land  Company  at  Cincinnati,  Ohio, 
were  the  following  gentlemen:  John  H.  Buddeke,  G.  H.  Bergfeld,  John  Mathias 
Gohs,  John  Roennebaum,  John  Albert  Kuemmer,  Arnold  Kreke,  Ben  H.  Brockmann, 
and  J.  H.  Plasspohl.  These  empowered  Clement  Uptmor,  Joseph  Boeckmann,  and 
Herman  Bergfeld,  who,  on  January  19,  1840,  had  been  chosen  Directors  of  the 
Company  for  Teutopolis,  to  admit  new  members  into  the  Company.  The  following 
were  admitted  at  Teutopolis  under  the  usual  conditions,  and  also  contributed  $10 
toward  the  building  of  a  church:  Anthony  Pundsack,  Clement  Pundsack,  Joseph 
Pundsack,  J.  B.  Tebbe,  Jacob  Doethmann,  Joseph  Frederick  Osterhaus,  Clement 
Niehaus,  Joseph  B.  Brummer,  Bernard  Suer,  Anthony  Dodenkamp,  and  Henry  Kre- 
mer.  Other  old  settlers  were:  Joseph,  Bernard,  Hy.,  and  Geo.  Koester,  Ferd. 
Braun,  Joseph  Feldhake,  Mathias  Moenning,  Bernard  Deters,  Fred  Grimming,  Ar- 
nold Kreke,  Hy.  Herboth,  B.  Mindrup,  J.  F.  Renter,  etc. 

Mr.  John  F.  Waschefort,  one  of  the  members  of  the  Committee  which  selected 
and  bought  the  land,  settled  at  Teutopolis  in  March,  1840.  B.  H.  Suer,  (Bernard) 
Ahrens,  Henry  Gerdes,  and  (John  G.)  Korfhagen  came  in  1841;  B.  H.  Mindrup, 
(Herman)  Kenter  and  J.  Herboth  in,  1842.  Many  others  arrived  during  the  next 
years.  Some  made  their  way  from  Cincinnati  overland,  partly  by  stage,  partly  on 
foot;  others  made  use  of  the  steamboats  as  far  as  Evansville,  Ind.;  others,  again, 
passed  down  the  Ohio  and  up  the  Mississippi  to  St.  Louis,  and  thence  followed  the 
National  Road  to  their  destination.  Some,  coming  directly  from  Germany,  landed 
at  New  Orleans,  and  from  that  cjty  travelled  by  boat  to  Cincinnati  or  to  St.  Louis 
and  thence  overland  to  Teutopolis. 

CHAPTER  III 

CHRONICLE  FROM  PIONEER  DAYS,  1839— 
THE  BEGINNING  OF  THE  CIVIL  WAR,  1861. 

Life  at  the  new  settlement  was  full  of  hardships  and  privations.  There  were 
few  comforts  and  no  luxuries.  The  settlers,  as  was  mentioned  above  and  as  we 
shall  have  occasion  to  remark  further  on,  at  first  considered  the  prairie  unfit  for 
cultivation.  Hence,  after  their  arrival,  they  at  once  set  to  work,  with  the  few 
implements  at  their  disposal,  to  clear  a  small  strip  of  timberland,  on  which  they 
erected  their  log  cabins  and  the  necessary  farm  buildings  and  planted  some  grain 
and  vegetables.  The  result  of  their  labors  during  the  first  years  was  naturally 
very  meagre.  But  after  some  time,  especially  after  they  began  to  cultivate  the 
prairieland,  the  fruit  of  their  patient  industry  became  evident  in  the  extensive  fields 
of  corn,  wheat,  and  other  grain  that  could  be  seen  on  all  sides.  They  were  also 
very  successful  in  the  raising  of  cattle  and  sheep.  One  of  the  settlers,  at  this 
early  date,  is  said  to  have  obtained  more  than  forty  gallons  of  honey  from  his 
beehives. 

S'nce  practically  all  the  settlers  dwelt  on  their  farms,  the  village  grew  very 
slowly.  The  first  house  in  the  village  was  built  by  John  H.  Uptmor,  who  is  there- 
fore called  its  first  citizen,  in  1839.     It  was  built  of  logs,  16x16  feet,  and  contained 

—  20  — 


■only  one  room.  Iji  1840,  Mr.  Uptmor  sold  it  to  hi-s  brother  Clement  for  $5  or  $6; 
this  is  the  first  transfer  of  real  estate  in  Teutopolis  on  record.  Clement  Uptmor 
later  erected  a  frame  house,  16x26  feet,  on  the  site  on  which  the  home  of  Mr. 
Joseph  Siemer  now  stands.  In  June,  1840,  there  were  four  houses  in  the  village; 
by  the  year  1845,  this  number  had  increased  to  seven,  and  by  1850,  to  nine. 

In  1842,  Teutopolis  was  granted  a  POST  OFFICE,  with  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor 
as  the  first  postmaster.  Up  to  this  time,  Ewington,  seven  miles  west  of  the  town, 
was  the   nearest  post  office. 

About  the  year  1841,  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor  and  John  F.  Waschefort  opened 
the  FIRST  STORES,  containing  a  small  stoc,k  of  merchandise  usually  sold  in  coun- 
try stores.  This  stock  had  a  value  of  perhaps  $50,  but  at  that  time  excited  greater 
curiosity  than  the  display  of  a  department  store  at  the  present  time. 

In  1841,  Clement  Uptmor  and  his  brother  Herman  began  the  building  of  a 
WINDMILL  FOR  GRINDING  FLOUR,  an  undertaking  which  was  of  the  greatest 
T>enefit  to  the  community  and  made  the  town  known  far  and  wide.  Hitherto  the 
settlers  had  been  obliged  to  carry  the  grain  to  be  ground  into  flour,  on  their  shoulders 
to  the  nearest  mills,  one  of  wiiich  was  seven,  the  other  twenty-three  miles  distant, — 
obviously  a  great  hardship  and  entailing  a  loss  of  time.  The  mill  erected  by  the 
brothers  on  the  site  now  occupied  by  the  tower  of  St.  Joseph's  College,  was  40  feet 
high,  20  feet  wide  below,  and  8  feet  wide  above;  the  wings  were  about  53  feet  long. 
Since  there  was  no  sawmill,  all  the  timber  had  to  be  c,ut  by  hand.  The  structure 
was  a  rather  clumsy  affair,  and  a  strong  wind  was  required  to  set  it  in  motion. 
The  mill  was  in  operation  for  the  first  time  on  July  4,  1845,  but  it  was  not  com- 
pleted until  the  following  spring.  It  had  only  one  set  of  burstones,  and  the  bolt- 
ing had  to  be  done  by  hand;  hence  the  daily  output  of  flour  was  not  very  great, 
but  people  came  in  large  numbers  from  the  neighboring  places  to  gaze  upon  this 
^'wonder  of  the  world." 

During  the  War  with  Mexico,  1845 — '47,  soldiers  often  marched  through  Teu- 
topolis along  the  National  Road.  On  October  30,  1845,  a  dangerous  fire  raged  in 
the  prairie.     In  winter  1845 — '46  wolves  were  numerous. 

SEVEN  VOTES  AT  THE  VILLAGE  ELECTION 

About  1845  Representative  Leon  Cunningham  obtained  a  Special  Corporation 
Charter  for  the  Village  of  Teutopolis.  On  the  first  Tuesday  in  April  following 
an  election  for  five  Village  trustees  and  one  constable  was  held  at  C.  Uptmor's. 
Mrs.  Eliz.  Uptmor  made  the  ballot  box  of  black  walnut.  On  the  morning  of 
the  election  the  judges  and  two  clerks  were  sworn  in  and  at  7  o'clock,  the  polls 
were  opened  till  6  o'clock  P.  M.  Two  votes  besides  the  votes  of  the  five  election 
judges  were  cast.  The  latter  five  and  a  constable  were  elected.  The  one  voter  left 
without  an  office  was  soon  appointed  Road  Commissioner.  The  first  official  act, 
after  being  sworn  in,  was  the  granting  of  a  retail  liquor,  etc.,  license  to  Mr.  Anton 
Rabe.  The  amoimt  paid  for  it  was  $25.00.  When  they  had  assessed  a  poll  tax, 
the  road  commissioner  was  ordered  to  notify  all  voters  to  work  on  the  road  at 
a  stated  time.  The  officials  convened,  plowed  two  furrows  on  Main  Street  and, 
when  the  plow  gave  out,  the  ditch  was  cleaned  with  spades.  The  President  was 
paid  $2.00  as  his  salary  and  the  other  officials  $1.50  each.  The  road  boss  received 
about  90  cents  for  three  days'  labor.  At  the  end  of  the  fiscal  year,  the  treasurer 
reported  receipts  from  peddlars'  license  $5.00  and  balance  in  treasury  at  the  end 
of  the  year,  $11.50.  At  the  election  in  1846  or  '47  (a  year  later),  the  number  of 
ballots  cast  was  35.     Before  an  election  a  huge  pole  was  put  up. 

But  the  pole  must  needs  fly  the  Stars  and  Stripes  above  the  patriotic  "Duetske 
Staadt."  In  a  short  time  enough  money  was  collected  for  a  big  flag  and  those 
who  could  not  give  money,  offered  to  work  gratis.  The  material  was  purchased 
^nd   Messrs.     J.   W.   Pruemmer,     Joseph   Horn   and   John   Meyer,  tailors,   and     the 

—  21  — 


J3-- 


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4->     ^^ 


« 


0)    § 


M  m 


ladies  divided  the  work  among  themselves.  Not  having  a  sewing  machine,  this 
-was  quite  a  task.  The  strips  were  28  feet  long  and  it  took  a  woman  two  days 
to  sew  them  together.  The  tailors  sewed  on  the  stars  and  the  blue,  one  big  star 
in  the  middle  and  26  smaller  ones  around  it.  The  flag  hung  27  by  15  feet  from 
the  pole.  An  old  clarinet  player,  (Aiding?)  intoned:  "Grad  aus  aus  dem  Wirts- 
liaus  komm  ich  heraus;  Strasse  wie  wunderiich  siehst  du  mir  aus?"  etc. 
Marching  up  town  the  flag  received  its  first  christening  at  J.  F.  Kroeger's  tavern; 
the  crowd  drank  to  the  health  of  all  and  to  the  flag  and  Mr.  Kroeger  sang  the 
"Star  Spangled  Banner."  The  next  stop  was  at  A.  Raben's  tavern,  where  the 
flag  got  a  second  christening.  At  Jacob  Fuelle's  tavern  the  "Te  Deum"  was  sung. 
Then  under  the  supervision  of  Mr.  Clem  Uptmor,  who  was  a  caipenter  also,  the 
pole,  which  was  140  feet  in  height,  was  iai?ed  in  the  gro\e  near  Joseph  Siemer's 
house.  The  speaker's  stand  was  where  Mr.  Weber's  house  stood  in  1904.  After 
the  stars  and  stripes  had  been  hoisted  amid  great  cheering,  Mr.  C.  Allen  made 
the  principal  address  and  convinced  all  his  hearers  that  Mr.  J.  Buchanan  was  the 
right  man  for  President. 


Combination  Grist  and  Saw  Mill  built  by  J.  F.  Waschefoit  in  18.57 


Fraudulent  voting  at  elections  in  early  days  was  common.  At  the  beginning 
of  the  campaign  in  1856,  James  Allen,  better  known  as  "Black  Jim"  was  called 
upon  to  address  the  citizens  of  Tcutopolis  on  a  certain  day.  According  to  custom, 
a  big  hickory  pole  v/as  raised  in  the  afternoon  before,  generally  near  Mr.  Clem 
Uptmor's.  After  dinner,  the  crowd,  many  of  vv^hom  come  from  a  distance,  flocked 
to  the  pin  oak  grove  occupying  a  whole  block,  later  known  as  "Rieman's  Place.'' 
Here  a  platform  had  been  put  up  for  the  speaker.  There  were  no  seats  for  the 
audience.  Mr.  Allen  then  expounded  some  sound  Democratic  doctrine.  His  words 
were  ever  after  quoted  in  discussions  and  were  "gospel  truth"  for  the  Democrats. 
On  election  day,  the  saloons  being  open,  not  a  few  became  intoxicated  and  fights 
were  not  rare.  No  questions  were  asked  by  the  judges  nor  was  the  letter  of  tlie 
law  followed.  Many  voted,  though  not  of  legal  age  nor  even  citizens.  On  one 
occasion,   two    women    deposited    the   ballots    of   their    sick   husbands;    one    election 

._  9Q  ._ 


judge  demuired,  but  was  overruled.  The  result  of  this  election  became  known  two 
months  later.  The  result  of  the  election  of  President  Pierce  reached  Teutopolis 
after  six  months. 

The  month  of  February,  1848,  was  unusually  warm  so  that  the  wheat  began 
to  sprout.  On  the  19th  of  the  month,  a  violent  storm  burst  forth  over  the  town 
from  the  southwest,  which  destroyed  several  houses,  unroofed  the  church  and  all 
houses  except  these  of  the  Rev.  Kuenster  and  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor,  broke  off  two 
wings  of  the  windmill,  and  knocked  down  all  the  fences.  Jacob  Puelle  and  Frank 
Stumborg  were  badly  injured;  Dr.  Steward  barely  escaped  being  struck  by  the 
roof  of  Joseph  Horn's  house  as  he  fled  down  the  street.  Clement  Uptmor,  unable 
to  reach  his  house  in  time  to  escape  the  storm,  clung  to  a  tree  in  his  garden  and 
remained  unharmed,  though  the  roof  of  a  stable  was  blown  directly  over  him. 

Next  day,  a  Sunday,  Father  Kuenster  said  a  low  Mass,  comforted  the  people 
and  bade  them  go  home  to  repair  their  damaged  property. 

The  FIRST  SAWMILL  was  built  by  John  F.  Waschefort  on  Salt  Creek,  south- 
west of  Teutopolis.  Another  sawmill  seems  to  have  been  built  on  the  same  stream 
north  of  the  cemetery  about  the  years  1849-1852  by  Frank  Schleper  and  Theodore 
Pruemmer.  It  was  a  treadmill,  and  proved  to  be  a  failure,  as  it  quickly  wore 
off"  the  hoofs  of  the  animals  that  set  it  in  motion. 

About  the  year  1849,  the  army  worm  made  its  appearance  at  Teutopolis  and 
wrought  great  havoc  in  garden,  field,  and  forest. 

In  October,  1850,  surveyors  of  a  PROJECTED  RAILROAD,  to  be  known  as 
the  Atlantic  and  Mississippi  Railroad,  were  at  work  at  Teutopolis  and  vicinity. 
Great  was  the  jcy  of  the  people  at  the  prospect  of  a  railroad,  and  when  they 
learned  that  Mr.  Waschefort  had  subscribed  for  railroad  stock  to  the  amount  of 
$2000,  they  he'd  a  torchlight  procession  in  his  honor  and  carried  him  on  their 
shoulders  thiough  the  town.  For  some  reason,  however,  the  railroad  was  never 
built. 

On  December  23,  1851,  the  St.  Louis  and  Indianapolis  Telegraph  Company 
stretched  its  wires  through  the  town  and  opened  a  station  on  the  site  now  occupied 

by  the  Sisters'  school.     Mr. Habing  was  the  first  agent.     When  after  a  few 

years  the  Company  failed,  the  farmers  who  lost  their  money  invested,  carried  away 
the  poles  of  the  Company  for  their  own  uses. 

In  1857,  Mr.  John  F.  Waschefort  built  a  COMBINATION  FLOUR  AND  SAW 
MILL  northeast  of  his  residence.  The  grist  mill  was  able  to  produce  fifty  barrels 
of  flour  a  day. 

Mr.  Clem.ent  Vahling  died  about  the  year  1854.  Another  pioneer,  Herman  H. 
Uptmor,  died  on  November  4,  1858.  He  was  born  at  Lohne,  in  Oldenburg,  Germany, 
in  1812,  and  came  to  Cincinnati  in  1834.  He  married  Miss  Mary  Catherine  Bflr- 
horst,  and  after  her  death  Miss  Anne  Mary  Hage.  He  lived  at  Teutopolis  nine- 
teen years. 

GLIMPSES  OF  PIONEER  LIFE 

FIRST  HOMES 

The  first  houses  of  the  pioneers,  as  will  be  readily  understood,  were  built  of 
logs,  since  it  was  impossible  to  obtain  dressed  lumber,  and  the  only  implements 
at  hand  were  the  hammer,  axe,  broadaxe,  drawing  knife,  and  sometimes  a  plane. 
Some  of  the  houses  were  of  "one  story,''  about  ten  feet  high  at  the  sides;  for  the 
building  of  tliese  about  forty  logs  VN^ere  I'equired.  Others  were  of  a  "story  and 
a  half,"  and  some  of  "two  stories'';  the  former  required  sixty  logs,  the  latter  from 
eighty  to  ninety.  The  rafters,  sheathing,  doors,  and  sills  were  split  from  logs, 
then  hewn  with  the  broadaxe  and  smoothed  with  the  drawing  knife  or  plane. 
Wooden  pins  were  used  in  place  of  nails.     The  spaces  between  the  logs  were  filled 

—  24  — 


with  juggles,  or  piece?  of  timber,  whereupon  clay  was  used  both  inside  and  outsicte 
to  close  all  remaining  oiacks.  The  ceiling  was  made  of  small  strips  cut  to  re- 
semble plaster  laths.  Clay  mixed  with  cut  hay  or  straw  was  squeezed  through 
these  strips  from  above  and  smocthened  below;  some  of  this  primitive  plastering 
applied  in  1839  v.as  still  in  good  condition  in  1903.  To  whitewash  the  ceiling,  a 
broom  often  had  to  serve  as  a  brush;  needless  to  say,  the  clothing  of  the  white- 
washer  in  thac  case  absorbed  most  of  the  liquid.  The  floors  were  generally  of 
stamped  clay;  sometimes  they  were  made  of  puncheons,  or  split  logs.  The  fireplace 
was  sometimes  built  entirely  of  hickory  wood  and  was  very  wide.  Many  used 
stones  or  bricks  to  protect  the  floor  and  ceiling  against  the  fire.  The  wooden 
chimneys  were  plastered  with  a  kind  of  clay  (pin  oak  clay)  that  hardened.  They 
.  needed  constant  care,  and  the  night's  rest  was  often  interru^^ted  by  a  burning^ 
chimney.  Light  was  furnished  by  the  blazing  fire  or  by  a  lamp  of  iron,  containing 
lard   or  other  animal  fat.     It   sometimes  happened     that  the  cat     ate  the  fat      or 


MR.   CLE3IENS   UPTMOR 


MRS.  CLEMENS  UPTMOR 


even  made  away  with  it  when  it  was  burning.  Manv  manufactured  their  tallow 
candles  in  tin  candle  molds.  Stationary  iron  pot-hooks  or  revolving  on  a  pivot 
held  the  kettles  and  pots.  Pumpernickel  was  baked  in  a  pot,  covered  with  a  lid, 
upon  which  coal  were  heaped,  in  the  morning  the  bread  was  done. 

FOOD  SUPPLIES 


It  goes  without  saying  that  at  the  beginning  of  the  settlement  it  was  very 
difficult,  if  not  impossible,  to  obtain  flour  and  other  food  supplies.  Grist  mills  were 
few  and  far  between;  the  roads,  for  a  grea.t  part  of  the  year,  were  almo.«;t  im- 
passable, and  wagons  and  teams  were  not  numerous.  Hence,  to  obtain  good  flour, 
the  early  settlers  frequently  had  to  carry  the  grain  either  to  Ramsey's  mill  at 
Green  Creek,  seven  miles  away,  or  to  Newton,  twenty-three  miles  from  Teutopolis. 
This  generally  required  three  days,  including  the  waiting  for  one's  turn  at  the 
mill.     Tlie  pioneers  often   helped  themselves  by  crushing  the  grain  on  a  piece  of 

—  25  — 


iron  with  a  hammer,  or  by  putting  it  into  a  sack  and  beating  it  with  a  club  or 
using  a  kitc,hen  grater  or  two  stones.  We  can,  therefore,  easily  understand  with 
what  joy  the  people  greet  the  erection  of  the  windmill  by  the  Uptmor  brothers 
in  1842 — 1846,  of  which  mention  was  made  above. 

MEAT  was  easily  obtained,  as  the  woods  and  prairie  about  Teutopolis  abound- 
ed in  game  of  every  kind.  The  pioneer  could  frequently  procure  a  plentiful  supply 
for  his  table  by  using  the  rifle  from  the  door  or  window  of  his  log  house.  Hunting 
was,  indeed,  not  only  a  pastime;  it  was  a  necessity.  For  the  deer  did  much  damag« 
to  the  crops,  and  minks,  foxes,  grey  and  blue  wolves  often  caused  havoc  among 
the  poultry,  etc.  Prairie  wolves  also  made  raids  and  killed  sheep  and  hogs.  Much 
trapping  was  done,  as  lead  and  powder  were  scarce. 

Groc,eries  had  to  be  obtained  from  Cincinnati,  Evansville  or  St.  Louis,  where 
the  pioneer  also  found  a  market  for  his  produce.  The  trip  to  these  cities  re- 
quired several  days  and  entailed  great  expense.  After  Clement  Uptmor  and  John 
F.   Waschefort  opened    their   stores   in    1840   or   1841,   they   m.ade    regular  trips   to 


MR.  JOHN   F.   WASCHEFORT 


MRS.  JOHN  1'.  WASCHEFORT 


Evansville,  St.  Louis,  and  Vandalia.  There  were  also  two  stores  in  the  neighbor- 
hood, with  a  stock  of  groceries,  dry  goods,  and  whiskey,  one  two  miles  north  of 
the  town,  was  owned  by  Mr.  F.  Frieling,  and  was  known  as  "Jacobsbrunnen,"  or 
"Jacob's  Well'':  another,  south  of  town,  was  conducted  by  Mr.  John  Barlage. 


CLOTHING 

Those  among  the  pioneer  settlers  that  used  foresight  brought  with  them  a 
good  supply  of  clothing,  which  lasted  many  years.  Many,  owing  to  poverty,  had 
only  two  suits  of  cjothes:  one  for  every  day  use  and  another  for  Sundays  and 
holydays.  When  the  Eversman  family  came  to  Teutopolis  in  1852,  many  women 
wore  bonnets  which  had  turned  brown  and  green  with  age.  Homespun  was  worn 
for  ordinary  life.  Wool  was  carded,  .spun  by  the  men  or  women  and  woven  into 
jean  on  a  handloom  by  some  colonists,  or  more  frequently  by  an  American  neighbor. 

—  26  — 


The  housewife  made  the  suits  for  husband  and  children.  For  the  men's  suits  the 
cloth  was  dyed  in  indigo  blue,  and  was  known  as  "indigo  blue  jean."  Old  Mr.  Nie- 
mann manufactured  the  best  spinning  wheels  in  the  county.  Many  families  still 
preserve  a  spinning  wheel  and  other  old  relics  of  pioneer  days.  For  the  women 
the  yarn  was  first  dyed,  either  in  blue  or  red,  and  then  woven  into  linsy.  All 
stockings  were  knitted  by  hand  often  by  men  as  a  pastime  during  winter.  Just 
before  the  Civil  War,  milliners  opened  establishments  and  the  stores  began  to  put 
in  a  better  selection  of  clothing.  There  were  no  special  white  dresses  for  First 
(solemn)  Communion  or  for  weddings.  The  bride  usually  wore  a  black  dress  and 
a  bonnet.  Many  also  raised  flax  in  those  early  times.  This  was  plucked  out  by 
the  roots,  put  into  water,  usually  into  the  creek,  for  perhaps  two  weeks;  then 
spread  or  put  up  in  sheaves  to  dry.  Next  it  was  broken  up  by  means  of  a  wooden 
machine  and  put  through  the  hatchel;  the  coarser  parts,  or  oakum,  were  used  for 
towels,  the  finer  for  linen,  or  were  mixed  with  wool  and  spun. 

Wooden   shoes  were  the  ordinary  foot  gear.     They  were  worn  everywhere,   at 


F.  F.  EVERSMAN,  M.  D. 


MRS.  F.  F.  EVERSMAN 


home,  to  church  and  school,  as  well  as  to  a  dance.  They  were  made  at  Teutopolis 
by  John  Fuesting,  Joseph  Ostendorf,  and  Henry  Kreke.  A  linden  tree  was  cut 
into  sections,  then  split  until  the  necessary  length  and  thickness  were  obtained. 
Orders  were  generally  taken  one  Sunday  and  delivered  the  next.  Often  as  many 
as  300  pair  of  wooden  shoes  were  made  out  of  a  single  tree.  The  Sunday  shoes 
were  even  painted  by  some;  thus  old  Mr.  Clem  Uptmor  wore  wooden  shoes  that 
had  been  painted  red.  Wooden  shoes  have  not  yet  (1926)  disappeared,  especial- 
ly on  the  farms.     Mr.  George  Deyman  supplies  the  present  market. 

When  Mr.  Dieterich  Ellmann,  the  shoemaker,  and  Mr.  Wm.  Tolch,  the  harness 
maker,  came  to  the  settlement,  they  found  it  hard  to  procure  the  necessary  supply 
of  leather  from  Cincinnati  and  St.  Louis,  partly  owing  to  the  distant  markets, 
partly  due  to  lack  of  cash  money.  They  often  had  to  accept  produce  instead  of 
money.     The  pric.e  of  a  pair  of  shoes  and  boots  prior  to  the  Civil  War  was  $2.50 

—  27  — 


and  5.00  respectively.     Durina:  the  War  the  price  was  more   stationary:   $5.00  for 
a  pair  of  shoes  and  up  to  $12.00  for  a  pair  of  boots. 

SICKNESSES 

The  most  common  ailment  among  the  early  settlers  was  malaria  fever,  caused 
by  the  exhalations  of  the  swampy  prairies  and  the  lack  of  good  drinking  water. 
At  times,  every  family  was  affected.  When  the  land  had  been  properly  drained 
and  cultivated,  this  disease  gradually  disappeared.  The  ordinary  remedies  ap- 
plied were  quinine  and  whiskey.  Since  quinine  was  expensive,  sometimes  costing 
as  much  as  $16  an  ounce,  aloe  or  other  herbs  or  some  extract  was  used  with  the 
wiiiskey.  Milk  sic,kness  was  also  very  frequent  in  the  early  days.  To  cure  it,  the 
physicians  prescribed  sulphur  and  whiskey.  The  disease  often  proved  fatal  after 
two  or  three  days.     After  1870,  it  appeared  only  occasionally. 

At  first,  the  settlers  had  to  go  twenty  miles  to  obtain  medical  service.  About 
the  year  1841,  Dr.  J.  L.  Fields  settled  at  Elliotstown,  nine  miles  south,  and  Dr. 
J.  Le  Crone  at  Ewington,  the  county  seat,  seven  miles  west  of  Teutopolis.  Dr. 
George  Schindel  came  to  Teutopolis  about  the  year  1848.  Other  physicians  during 
the  early  days  of  the  settlement  were  Dr.  Stewart,  who  lived  here  in  1848,  Dr. 
Thoiuas  Brady,  Dr.  F.  F.  Eversman,  who  came  from  Cincinnati  in  1852,  Dr.  Seth- 
mann,  who  came  about  1860.  The  physicians  who  lived  at  Teutopolis  during  the 
more  recent  years  were:  Dr.  Joseph  Biumleve,  Dr.  J.  Kroeger,  Dr.  Sloan,  who 
died  of  smallpox,  Dr.  Lawrence  Brumleve,  Dr.  Lange.  Dr.  Eisenbard,  Dr.  Koch, 
Dr.  Zittek,  Dr.  Clement  Westhoelter,  Dr.  Mc  Kunt,  Dr.  Selig,  Dr.  N.  F.  Hoffmann, 
Dr.  Scheffner  and  Dr.  E.  A.  Weisenhorn.  Dr.  Raney,  a  dentist,  also  resided  here 
for  several  years. 

PLOWING— HARVESTING— THRESHING 

Considering  the  prairie  valueless,  because  they  found  a  few  Americans  settled 
in  the  forest  clearings  and  because  the  prairie  was  unfit  for  cultivation  owing  to 
the  swamps  and  lack  of  drainage,  the  first  settlers  confined  themselves  to  clearing 
and  cultivating  the  timberland.  There  seems  to  have  been  little  undergrowth  ow- 
ing to  frequent  forest  fires.  To  clear  a  tract  of  40  acres  was  a  laborious  task 
requii'ing  possibly  two  or  three  years  of  labor.  Even  then  there  remained  the  many 
stumps  without  chains  and  stum.p-pullers  to  remove  them.  As  very  few  of  the 
settlers  had  horses,  five  to  six  yoke  of  oxen  were  needed  to  break  the  land.  The 
plow  consisted  of  an  iron  i^lowshare  and  a  wooden  mold-board  lined  with  hoop  iron. 
Ox  horns  were  used  for  handles.  Clem  Uptmor  records  that  his  father  had  some 
prairie  land  broken  in  1845.  Mr.  Hy.  Vormor,  who  lived  for  a  year  or  two  south 
of  John  Gannoway's  (B.  Overbeck  farm),  was  told  by  Mr.  Gannoway:  "Why  do 
you  not  break  the  prairie?  It  is  much  easier.'' — "But  is  the  land  good?"  was  the 
retort.  Mr.  Gannoway  replied:  "Come  along  and  I  will  show  you.''  The  two 
rode  to  the  northeast  of  town  and,  as  result,  Mr.  Vormor  soon  moved  to  that  dis- 
trict in  the  prairie.  Some  Americans  made  a  regular  business  of  breaking  the 
prairie  and  charged  $2,00 — $2.50  per  acre.  About  1858 — '60  many  used  horses  to 
plow  the  prairie;  four  horses  did  more  than  five  yoke  of  oxen.  The  first  harrow 
used  was  made  of  hewn  timber  four  inches  by  four  inches.  It  was  generally  about 
six  feet  square  and  had  wooden  teeth.  The  first  reaper  and  grass  cutter  was 
bought  probably  in  1858  by  Jacob  Fuelle,  H.  Wernsing,  B.  Bruever;  it  was  a 
Manney.  (Ev.'s  Mem.)  It  was  tested  on  the  J.  Meyer  farm,  east  of  the  College 
campus.  Mr.  Waschefort  next  purchased  a  McCormick  self-rake.  These  were 
followed  by  the  Woods  self-i-ake,  the  Buckeye-Cumberland  Dropper  and  Mower, 
which  soon  became  the  leading  machine.     The  Marsh  harvester  and  the  Meer  self- 

—  28  — 


bindar  and  the  Twin  self-binders.  In  cultivating  the  corn,  a  one-horse  bar  plow 
often  drawn  by  an  ox  was  used  and  served  by  two  persons — one  driving,  the  other 
guiding  the  plow.  The  three-cornered  Harrow  manufactured  by  Mr.  Eggermann 
replaced  the  teeth  by  five  small  plows.  This  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the  two- 
horse  cultivator.  Fritz  Rechalm  introduced  the  hand  planter.  The  corn  land 
was  laid  out  in  furrows  made  by  a  plow.  Later  on  a  marker  was  made  of  three 
joists  abcut  four  feet  long  set  up  edgeways  and  having  five  boards  laid  crossways. 
It  marked  three  rows  at  a  time. 

When  the  grain  (rye,  buckwheat  and  later  on  wheat)  was  ripe,  it  was  cut 
with  the  scythe  and  cradle  by  men  and  women;  for  in  pioneer  days  both  sexes 
did  the  hard  work  in  the  fields.  Threshing  was  at  first  done  by  flail  or  also  by 
cxen  or  horses  tramping  out  the  grain.  For  cleaning  the  latter,  a  "Wanne''  or 
wicker  basket  was  used.  It  was  open  in  front  and  had  two  handles.  The  grain 
was  m.cved  upward  or  thrown  forward  and  the  cjiaff  thus  separated.  Often  the 
wing  of  a  goose  was  us:;d  to  brush  off  the  chaff.  Later  en  horse-power  threshing 
machines  were   employed,     four  or  five     teams  furnishing     the  motor  power;   the 


DR.  JOSEPH  BRUMLEVE 


MR.   SAM   McELHINEY 


driver  stood  in  the  midst  of  the  wheel  and  whipped  up  the  horses.  Still  later  the 
modern  threshing  machine  came  into  use.  The  engine  was  stationaiy  in  early  days. 
IMcst  of  the  first  wagons  used  by  the  colonists  were  home-made  roller-wagons. 
The  wheels  were  sections  of  about  2 — 3  feet  in  diameter  cut  from  a  sycamore,  the 
wood  of  which  does  not  readily  split.  A  hole  was  cut  or  bored  through  the  center 
to  admit  the  axle  made  of  hickory  or  other  hard  wood.  The  frame  or  box  was 
made  of  split  oak  and  smoothened  with  a  drawing-knife.  The  squeaking  of  the 
often  ungreased  wheels  could  be  heard  at  a  great  di-stance.  The  linch-pin  wagon 
made  by  Mr.  Boos  was  the  first  real  wagon.  It  had  no  screw  and  no  leger.  Next 
was  the  regular  standard  farm  wagon  with  a  cast  skein. 


*Crab-apple  bushes  were  the  primitive  harrow  used  at  times  till  30  years  ago 
and  occasionally  even  now. 

—  29  — 


HOW  LAND  WAS  TRANSFERRED 

We  have  seen  how  Mr.  J.  F.  Waschefort,  the  committee-man,  in  the  name  of 
the  Land  Company,  made  out  all  the  deeds  to  the  first  settlers.  The  deed  often 
cost  more  than  the  lot.  Only  very  few  deeds  (two?)  were  made  out  up  to  the 
year  1850.  Despite  the  plat  of  the  town,  many  stepped  off  their  land  when  they 
first  came  and  thus  many  errors  were  made  which  it  was  found  impossible  to  cor- 
rect despite  repeated  surveys,  all  of  which  took  the  National  Road,  which  forms 
the  Main  Street  of  Teutopolis,  as  a  starting  point.  In  the  beginning  of  the  fifties 
the  county  surveyors  of  Effingham,  Jasper  and  Cumberland  counties  were  employed 
by  the  village  council;  but  they  failed  to  agree  and  hence  the  proper  limits  of 
many  streets  and  lots  are  still  questionable;  some  lots  have  more  feet  of  ground 
than  the  original  plat  calls  for.  To  straighten  out  matters  without  too  much  ex- 
citement the  village  bought  a  lot  at  the  west  end  and  laid  out  a  street,  thereby 
reimbursing  the  owners  who  did  not  get  their  due.  A  remarkable  custom  when- 
ever a  deed  was  made  out  till  about  1890  was  that  the  wife  who  had  to  sign 
received  a  new  dress  on  that  occasion. 

HORSE  AND  CATTLE  BUYERS 

Cash  money  was  a  very  rare  article  in  pioneer  days.  Bartering  was  the  rule. 
Many  Americans  made  some  money  by  selling  furs  and  honey,  etc.  Many  of  our 
German  pioneers  seldom  were  in  possession  of  cash;  the  markets  for  their  pro- 
duce were  too  far  away,  hence,  they  often  found  it  hard  to  pay  their  taxes.  Con- 
ditions improved,  when  prior  to  the  advent  of  the  Illinois  Central  Railroad,  horse 
and  cattle  buyers  began  to  visit  Teutopolis.  These  men  were  considered  men  of 
importance  and  worthy  of  respect.  Feeding  stock  was  the  best  way  to  dispose 
of  their  corn  and  hay.  The  trader,  in  company  of  a  home  man  (mostly  Mr.  John 
F.  Kroeger)  went  from  farm  to  farm  and  bought  up  the  cattle  or  horses  respective- 
ly. On  the  specified  day,  the  animals  were  brought  to  town.  It  was  a  holiday  for 
all  farmers.  As  there  were  no  daily  market  reports,  no  telegrams  and  telephones, 
the  buyer  was  sure  of  a  snug  profit  and  could  afford  to  treat  the  thirsty  ones. 
The  horses  were  tied  together  in  bunches  of  four  or  five  and  taken  to  the  markets. 
In  the  case  of  cattle,  there  was  more  competition,  because  of  some  home  buyers, 
such  as  Messrs.  Jacob  Fuelle,  J.  F.  Kroeger,  Mr.  Waschefort,  etc.  The  animals 
were  either  driven  overland  to  Cincinnati — a  trip  of  14  days  or  entrained  at  Olney, 
111.,  and  shipped  thither — or  they  were  taken  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  a  distance  of  104 
miles,  requiring  a  journey  of  eight  days,  or  taken  to  Chicago,  111.,  a  distance  of 
200  miles  requiring  16  days.  Hogs  were  not  shipped  alive,  but  were  either  slaugh- 
tered by  the  farm.ers  and  brought  to  Teutopolis  to  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor,  Mr.  Wasche- 
fort, Mr.  Ketteler  and  Vennemann  and  Wilke,  etc.,  or  sold  alive  to  them  and  packed 
in  winter  and  shipped  in  spring.  When  the  first  car  load  of  living  hogs  was 
shipped  by  train,  the  assurance  was  expressed  that  these  animals  would  never 
reach  their  place  of  destination  alive. 

There  was  no  STOCK  LAW  until  the  beginning  of  the  nineties.  Cattle  and 
hogs  ran  at  large,  and,  to  be  distinguished,  had  certain  m.arks  punched  in  the  right 
or  left  ear.  These  marks  were  registered  at  the  court  house.  When  an  animal 
was  wanted,  the  owner  had  to  search  for  it.  Coming  to  town  for  shopping  pur- 
poses, farmers  had  to  watch  their  wagons  or  some  roving  cow  made  a  fine  meal 
of  the  sack  of  bran,  etc.,  on  their  wagon  while  the  owners  wei-e  in  the  store. 

Many  horses  and  cows  were  stolen  in  the  early  days  of  Teutopolis.  Having 
no  telegraphs  and  telephones,  a  thief  was  comparatively  safe,  if  he  had  a  start 
of  a  few  hours.  The  posse  that  went  to  search  for  the  thief  was  rarely  successful. 
It  was  finally  found  out  that  there  was  a  gang  of  rustlers  who  had  an  accomplice 

—  30  — 


in  this  vicinity  whom  no  one  had  suspected,  who  hid  the  stolen  animals  in  his 
stable.  He  was  finally  convicted  and  served  a  term  in  jail.  But  when  the  excite- 
ment had  subsided,  the  thieves  took  the  stolen  horses  and  cows  to  some  distant 
market. 

HUNTING  IxV   EARLY   DAYS 

Until  other  meat  was  available,  the  pioneers,  as  we  have  seen,  relied  for 
their  meat  supply  upon  game  which  luckily  was  plentiful.  Deer  were  often  seen 
in  droves  of  twenty  to  forty  and  used  to  come  as  far  as  F.  Schlepers  near  the  col- 
lege to  water.  If  the  hunter  fired,  he  could  hardly  fail  to  hit  one  animal.  As 
the  deer  had  their  regular  trails,  a  slanting  spear  was  often  planted  back  of  a 
rail  fence  across  which  the  animals  used  to  jump.  Again  the  hunters  set  the 
prairie  on  fire  and  while  the  fire  and  wind  drove  the  frightened  animals  towards 
the  forest,  some  lay  in  wait  there  and  shot  them.. 

One  Teutopolis  hunter  is  said  to  have  killed  200  deer.  The  deer  were  hunted, 
however,  for  their  skin  rather  than  for  the  venison.     As  game  was  very  plentiful, 


HOME  OF  JOHN  F.  WASCHEFORT 


especially  near  Bishop  Creek,  lovers  of  the  chase  came  from  New  York,  Boston, 
etc.,  to  camp  hither  to  indulge  in  this  favorite  pastime.  Prairie  chickens  and  wild 
turkeys  and  quails  were  likewise  very  numerous.  Rabbits  and  quails  were  fre- 
quently caught  in  traps,  for  powder  and  lead  were  rare  articles.  The  guns  were 
single-barrel  shot  guns  with  flintlock.  With  the  rifle  an  -old  style  cap  was  used — • 
the  first  improvement  over  the  flintlock.  The  sportman  molded  his  own  bullets.  A 
hog  tooth  measured  the  amount  of  powder  to  be  used  for  loading.  For  this  pur- 
pose the  powder  was  poured  down  the  barrel  of  the  gun;  next  a  piec,e  of  cloth 
first  greased  with  tallow,  was  put  over  the  muzzle,  then  the  bullet  in  the  cloth 
was  cut  off,  rammed  down  and  the  cap  was  put  on  the  tube.  Some  of  the  pioneers 
loaded  their  guns  almost  as  fast  as  the  modern  client  of  the  goddess  of  the  chase 

—  31  — 


loads   his   breechloader.     The    distance    a    rifle   earned    was    200 — 250    yards.     (Cfr. 
Memoirs  of  Mr.   Chas.   Eversman).     Cow-horns  were   used  for  powder-horns. 

AMUSEMENTS 

About  the  years  1847 — 1856,  the  Hy.  Kabbis  tavern,  saloon  and  small  store 
with  a  German  bowling  alley  annexed,  seems  to  have  been  a  favorite  resort  for 
young  and  old.  It  was  customary  to  have  a  dance  on  New  Year's  Eve,  Shrove 
Tuesday  (Fastnacht)  and  July  4th.  The  "dancing  hall"  was  20x20  feet,  and  the 
rough  floor  of  hewn  logs  was  considered  "good  enough  for  a  prince.''  Males  and 
females,  old  and  young,  liked  to  trip  the  fantastic  toe.  Often  the  floor  was  so 
crowded  that  one  could  hardly  turn  around  and  still  they  m.anaged  to  dance.  Sud- 
denly the  cry:  "Solo!"  was  heard  above  the  din.  Impatient  to  get  a  chance  to 
dance,  some  one  warned  the  dancing  couples  that  they  had  indulged  enough  in  the 
frolic  and  were  to  give  some  other  couples  an  opportunity.  Usually  this  request 
was  honored.  If  later  at  night  it  failed  to  bring  a  response,  a  quarrel  with  its 
sequel  before  the  justice   of  the  peace  might  i^ossibly  result. 

The  Jacobsbrunnen  and  Barlage  country  stores  were  also  favorite  haunts  for 
those  seeking  recreation.  The  old  folks  tell  many  a  tale  to  their  children  at  the 
fireside  of  events  that  took  place  there  in  days  before  the  Civil  War,  when  whiskey 
was  good  and  reasonable  in  price  and  when  many  farmers  had  a  barrel  of  the 
liquid  in  tlieir  smoke-house  or  cellar. 

NEW  YEAR 

In  accordance  with  a  custom  brought  by  the  old  settlers  from  the  Fatherland, 
a  number  of  young  men  equipped  with  pistols  and  plenty  of  powder  assembled  on 
New  Year's  eve.  They  went  from  house  to  house  saluting  the  inmates  by  a  vol- 
ley, thus  "shooting  away  the  old  year.''  Thereupon  they  were  invited  to  enter, 
treated  to  a  drink  and  given  a  large  sausage.  Wishing  them  a  "Happy  New  Year," 
the  young  invited  the  inmates  to  meet  them  next  year,  i.  e.,  that  night,  at  some 
place  designated,  generally  at  a  neighbor's,  and  fired  another  volley  when  leaving. 
After  all  belonging  to  that  circuit  had  been  visited,  the  "shooters"  repaired  to 
the  place  designated  and  finding  the  guests,  men,  women  and  children  waiting  for 
them,  proceeded  to  fry  the  sausages  collected  and  to  paitake  of  the  cake,  ect., 
provided  by  the  hostess.  When  the  repast  was  over,  at  michiight,  the  young  men 
went  outside  and  fired  a  volley  of  welcome  to  the  "New  Year''  and  ended  with 
singing  the  "Grosser  Gott,  wir  loben  dich!"  This  custom  was  still  in  vogue  up  to 
1905.  We  regret  to  siiy  that  some  of  the  young  men  failed  to  observe  strict  mod- 
eration in  drinking.  Still  very  few  accidents  did  occur;  yet  one  life  was  lost,  ow- 
ing to  accident,  it  seems.  At  present  the  neighbors  gather  for  a  social,  possibly 
a  dance  aad  supper.  The  custom  of  the  young  men  disguising  themselves  and 
serenading  the  people,  too,  has  almost  disappeared.  More  and  more  home  amuse- 
ments are  taking  the  place  of  the  old  customs. 

EPIPHANY  OR  THE  SONG  OF  THE  THREE  KINGS  (STERNSAENGER) 

On  the  feast  or  during  the  octave  of  the  Holy  Three  Kings,  four  or  five  young 
men,  dressed  in  white  and  carrying  a  crown  of  paper,  gilded,  one  with  blackened 
face  and  hands,  sing  the  "Drei-koenigslied"  and  get  a  treat  of  some  kind.  Mr. 
Hy.  Voss  of  Bishop  Creek  introduced  the  custom  in  these  parts.  When  they  went 
out  for  the  first  time  to  sing,  they  were  in  danger  of  being  shot  by  the  farmer 
who  did  not  know  what  was  up.     The  cus^m  was  also  in  vogue  at  Teutopolis. 


DAS  DREI  KOENIGE  LIED 

Wir  sind  die  drei  Koenige  aus  Morgenland 

Durch  einen  Stern  von  Gott  gesandt 

Der  Stern  war  gross  und  wunderschoen 

Drin  ein  Kindlein  mit  der  goldnen  Kron. 

Die  goldne  Kron  sein  Scepter  war, 

Sein  Antlitz  leuchtet  wie  die   Sonne  so  klar. 

Wir  sind  gegangen  bergauf,  bergab, 

Im  kalten   Winter  durch  Laub  und  Grass 

Wir  sind  gegangen  in  aller  Eil', 

In  dreizehn  Tagen  vier  hundert  Meil'; 

Wir  sind  gegangen  nach  Bethlehem 

Nach   einer  Stadt  Jerusalem. 

Wir  kamen  wohl  vor  Herodes'  Thuer; 
Da  war  ein  grosser  Riege!  dafuer. 
Herodes  in  dem  Fenster  lag 
Und  die  drei  Weisen  rankommen  sah. 
Herodes  sprach  mit  Schimpf  und  Spott: 
"Warum  ist  denn  der  dritte  so  scjiwarz?'' 

Der  dritte,  der  ist  uns  wohlbekannt 

Er  ist  ein  Koenig  aus  Morgenland. 

"Guten  Abend!     Guten  Aband!  meine  lieben  Herren! 

Bei  wem  woUt  Ihr  heut'  Abend  einkehre'n?'' 

"Bei  Ihnen,  Herr  Koenig,  an  diesem  Ort; 

Wir  such  den  wahren,  lebendigen  Gott." 

"Er  ist  nicht  hier,  meine  Lieben  drei  Herren, 

Ihr  muesst  noch  weiter  nach  Bethlehm  kehren." 

Sie  gingen  wohl  von  Jerusalem 

Zu  einem  Stalle  gen  Bethlehem. 

Der  Stern  stand  stille  und  rueckte  nicht  mehr, 

Es  war  ein  Zeichen  von  Gott  dem  Herrn. 

Der  Stern  stand  stille  wohl  ueber  dem  Stall 

Und  auf  ihre  Knie  da  fielen  sie  all. 

Sie  gingen  wohl  zum  Stalle  hinein 
Und  fanden  Maria  mit  dem  Christkindlein. 
Sie  opfern  dem  Kinde  wohl  alle  drei 
Gold,  Weihrauch,  Myrrhe,  und  Lobgeschrei. 
Das  Clirist-Kindlein  in  der  Krippe  lag- 
Drum  singen  wir  "Deo  gratias! 

(Bitte  um  eine  Erquickung  oder  eine  Gabe) 

HERE  ONE  ASKS  FOR  A  GIFT  OR  SOME  REFRESHMENT. 

Sie  habsn  uns  eine  Verehrung  gegeben, 

Der  Hebe  Gott  lass  euch  in  Frieden  noch  leben; 

In  Fried  und  Freud'  und  immerdar 

Das  wuenschen  wir  Euch  zum  neuen  Jahr 

Das   neue  Jahr,  die  Seligkeit 

—  33  — 


Von  nun  an  bis  in  Ewigkeit! 

Wir  wuenschen  dem  Herrn  ein  grosses  Glas  Wein; 

Damit  er  darauf  kann  lustig  sein. 

Wir  wuenschen  der  Frau  einen  goldenen  Wagen, 

Womit  sie  kann  in  den  Himmel  jagen. 

Wir  schreiben  auf  einen  Lilienstrunk: 

"Der  liebe  Gott  lass  euch  noch   recht  gesund!'' 

Wir  schreiben  auf  einen  Lilienzweig: 

Wir  haben  gesungen  in  diesem  Haus 

Und  all  das  Unglueck  kehrt  der  Schwarze  hinaus. 


If  the  singers  are  given  a  present,  the  "moor''  sweeps  all  misfortune  out  of 
doors.  We  may  add  that  one  of  the  kings  plays  the  accprdion  and  that  all  kneel 
down  when  they  sing  the  words:  "Der  Stern  stand  still  wohl  ueber  dem  Stall — 
Und  auf  ihre  Kniee  da  fielen  sie  all."  ("The  star  stood  still  over  the  stable  and 
all  fell  on  their  knees.") 

Mr.  Hy.  Voss  came  to  Eifingham  County  in  the  beginning  of  the  eighties. 

FASTNACHT  OR  SHROVE  TUESDAY 

Another  custom  impoited  from  their  native  country  was  the  way  of  celebrating 
Monday  and  Tuesday  before  Ash  Wednesday.  A  crowd,  sometimes  masked,  one 
of  them  carrying  a  straw  man  ("Bernstein  of  Navoo")  collected  sausages  and 
got  a  treat — finally  winding  up  with  a  jolly  good  time,  in  which  the  most  prominent 
citizens  took  part.  How  the  straw  man  was  once  set  up  on  the  roof  of  the  jail 
and  how  Father  Frauenhofer  coming  from  Green  Creek  was  offended  till  the  joke 
was  explained,  has  caused  many  a  ripple  of  laughter. 

MARRIAGE  AND  MARRIAGE  CUSTOMS 

The  celebration  of  marriage  was  very  difficult  in  olden  days.  As  the  con- 
tracting parties  were  all  Catholics,  the-"  --^metimes  had  to  wait  6  to  8  months 
before  they  could  get  married,  bef'^.-se  leutopolis  was  repeatedly  without  a  resi- 
dent priest  for  many  months.  Three  couples  were  joined  in  holy  wedlock  on  one 
occasion;  the  young  ladies  made  their  first  Communion  in  the  morning,  got  mar- 
ried at  noon  and  received  Confirmation  in  the  afternoon.  Girls,  at  times,  married 
at  the  age  of  sixteen  or  seventeen.  If  an  old  settler  was  robbed  by  death  of  his 
helpmate,  he  usually  made  a  trip  to  Cincinnati  to  look  for  a  new  bride.  In  one 
instance,  the  widower  walked  on  foot  to  that  city  on  the  Ohio  River  and  returned 
on  horseback,  his  bride  mounted  behind  him;  at  times  the  one  walked  and  let  the 
other  ride.  At  first  weddings  were  very  simple.  A  black  dress  and  bonnet  were 
worn  by  the  bride.  When  the  population  increased,  old  country  customs  were  in- 
troduced especially  that  of  the  "WEDDING  BIDDER"  ("Hochtieds  Bitter").  After 
the  date  of  the  wedding  had  been  set,  the  guests  received  invitations,  usually  on 
the  Tuesday  preceding  the  wedding.  This  inviting  was  done,  as  a  rule,  by  the 
best  man.  He  set  out  early  in  the  day,  generally  on  horseback,  sometimes  in  a 
buggy.  His  hat  and  staff  were  trimmed  with  a  ribbon  and  the  horse  was  likewise 
decorated  with  ribbons.  When  he  arrived  at  the  house  of  the  intended  guest,  he 
recited  the  following  verses: 

"Gudden  Dagg  im  Huse,  gih  laiwen  Luee! 
Et  gruesst  Euch  Gott  und  ick  derbie. 
Ick  bin  van  Dagg  de  Hochtiettsbitter, 
Drum  hev  ick  Stock  und  Haut  und  Flitter. 
So  ener  as  ick  kommt  nit  jeden  Dagg. 

—  34  — 


Drum  lustert  tau,  wat  he  wohl  seggen  mag. 

De  Bibel  seggt:     "Et  is  net  gaud,  dat  de  Menske  alleene  bliewt." 

Drum  nimmt  sick  N.  N.  ene  Braut. 

Se  hett  N.  N. 

De  Hochtied  is  naechsten   Dienstag  im  Huse  von  de  Braut. 

Sai  soil  lewen  hoch ! 

Und  wi  Gebrauch  is  dat  eu  groht  Fest. 

Und  wie  man  segget,  giewet  et  viel   Beer,   Kauken,  Zucker,  Suppen   und  Schinken. 

Natuerlick  mot  man  donach  drinken. 

Aber  dat  mack  nix,  Gott  giewet  gaut  Wiaer. 

Dan  let  et  sich  macken. 

Will  gie  mi  wat  schenken  ? 

En  Baendchen  an  minen  Stock  oder  Haut? 

Tau  dem  Schlusse:     Et  gau  alien  gaud. 

Bliewet  alle  gesund  und  munter. 

Dann  lewet  wohl  bit  up  dat  Fest.'' 

i.  e.:     "Good  day,  dear  inmates  of  this  house.     Greetings  from  God  and  from 
me.     I    am   the   wedding   bidder  of  this   day. — Hence  my   staff   and   hat   and   orna- 


MR.    H.    D.    ELLMANN 


MRS.  H.  D.  ELLMANN 


ments. — Such  as  I  do  not  come  every  day. — Therefore,  listen  what  I  have  to  say. — 
The  Bible  says  it  is  not  good  for  man  to  be  alone — Hence  N.  N.  takes  unto  him- 
self a  bride.— Her  name  is  N.  N. — The  wedding  will  take  place  Tuesday  next  at 
the  home  of  the  bride. — Three  cheers  for  her. — According  to  custom  this  will  be 
a  day  of  great  merriment. — It  is  said,  there  will  be  beer,  cake,  sugar,  soup  and 
ham  galore. — Of  course  this  makes  people  thirsty — But  no  matter, — God  grants 
good  weather,— and  all  will  be  well. — Will  you  make  me  a  present?— A  ribbon 
for  my  staff  oi'  for  my  hat? — In  conclusion:  God  bless  you  all.  May  all  remain 
well,  healthful   and   cheerful. — Now,  good  bye  till  the  feast.'' 

At  every  house  where  the  wedding  bidder  extended  an  invitation,  he  was  pre- 
sented with   a  ribbon   for  his   hat;    if   a  second   ribbon  was   proffered,  he  attacjied 

—  35  — 


it  to  the  bridle  of  his  horse.  He  was  not  supposed  to  let  his  horse  walk  and  had 
to  cry  out  at  the  top  of  his  voice:  "Hochtied,"  (Wedding!)  to  the  great  amaze- 
ment of  strangers  unaccustomed  to  this. 

We  also  subjoin  the  poem  in  German  used  by  the  late  Frank  Brinker  and 
in  use  until  some  years  ago.  Prohibition  and  hard  times  for  the  farmer  have 
helped  to  let  this  custom  die  out. 

DER  HOCHZEITSBITTER  (Courtesy  of  Mr.  Leo  Westendorf) 

Guten  Tag.  meine  Lieben  all, 
Viel   Glueck  Euch  allzumal! 
Hier  kom^me  ich  scjireiten: 
Bis  zum  Tore  wollte  ich   leiten. 
Sagte  ich  "Guten  Morgen!" 

Brauchtet  Ihr  fuer  meine  Rede  nicht  zu  sorgen. 
Nun  weil  ich  sage  "Guten  Tag!" 
So  so'.lt  Ihr  hoeren,  wenn  ich  reden  mag. 
Wcllet  Ihr  meine  Rede  recht  anhoeren, 
So  muesst  Ihr  mich  nicht  darin  stoeren. 
Soil  ich  meinen  Spruch  recjit  machen, 
So  muesst  Ihr  nicht  darum  lachen; 
Denn  da  ich  gestern  wollte  studieren, 
Thaten  mich  die  jungen  Maedchen  faxieren. 
Mein  Studieren  liess  ich  sein 
Und  ging  mit  ihnen  zur  Stube  hinein. 
Da  habe  ich  bei  ihnen  so  lange  gesessen 
Und  habe  ganz  auf  mein  Studieren  vergessen. 
Hier  komme  ich  nicht  zu  prahlen; 
Auch  nicjit  um   Schulden  zu  bezahlen; 
Sondern  ich  bin  von  (N.  N.)  hierher  gesandt, 
Um  Euch  ihren  Wunsch  machen  bekannt; 
Euch  Dienstag,  den   (Datum)   auf  die  Hochzeit  zu  laden. 
O,  was  wollen  wir  da  ein  Vergnuegen  haben ! 
Und  dazu  lade  ich  ein  Sohn  u.  Tochter,  Knecht  u.  Magd, 
So  wie  es  mir  ist  vorgesagt. 
Jung  und  Alt,  Gross  und  Klein, 
Alle,  die  im  Hause  gehoerig  sein. 
Nun  koennte  ich  Euch  nocji  mehr  sagen, 

Aber  vor  Trockenheit  darf  ich  kein  Wort  mehr  aus  meinem  Munde  wagen. 
Drum  schenket  mir  ein  Glaeschen  ein, 
Faellt  mir  vielleicht  was  Bess'res  ein. 
Ist  es  auch  ein  Glas  Rum, 
Das  stossen  wi-r  auch  nicht  um. 
Bedenken  wir,  erklaeren  es. 
Wo  kommt  der  Ehestand  her? 
Gott  nahm  eine  Rippe  aus  Adams  Seit', 
Und  schuf  daraus  ein  junges  Weib, 
Setzte  sie  im  Garten  des  Vergnuegens  dar. 
So  haben  wir  schon  zu  Anfang  ein  junges  Ehepaar. 
Wenn  wir  thun  dann  weiter  gehen, 
Zu  Kana  werden  wir  Schoeneres  sehen. 
Wo   Christus   selber  auf  der  Hochzeit  zugegen  war 
Und  offenbarte  seine  Gottheit  wunderbar. 

—  36  — 


Aus  Wasser  mac,hte  er  den  besten  roten  Wein. 

Das  sollte  der  Hocjizeit  zur  Ehre  sein. 

So  ist  Hochzeit  halten  ja  nicht  uebel, 

Denn  so  lesen  wir's  in  der  Bibel: 

Geschehen  ist  es  vor  tausend  Jahren, 

Als  zu  Kana  die  Hochzeit  war. 

So  wollen  auch  wir  denn  Hochzeit  feiern 

Und  das   Gedaechtnis  froh   erneuern, 

Hochzeit  halten  ist  daium  das  Best'. 

Denn  in  Huette  wie  auf  Thronen  beginnt  es  mit  ein'm  Freudenfest, 

Wenn  das  alles  wohl  wird  sein, 

Dann  wird  euch  auch  Musik  erfi-euen. 

Kaffee,  Bier  u.  allerlei  Braten  soUen  vor  Euch  stehen, 

Tiompeten  und  Violine  solle,  um  euch  gehen. 

Wir  wollen  tanzen  und  springen, 

Dass  im  Hause  die  Fenster  klingen. 

Die  jungen  Maedchen  huepfen  fein, 

Wollen  auch  recht  bei  den  Juenglingen  sein. 

Nun,  dass  ich  nicht  rede  so  vermessen, 

Und  thu'  die  Hauptsach  noch  vergessen, 

Denn  ich  fuehre  hier  einen  Gefaehrten  an  meiner  Hand, 

Den  moachte  ich  geme  verzieret  haben  durch  ein  schoenes  Band. 

Ist  es  rot  oder  weis,  es  ist  mir  einerlei; 

Ist  es  gelb  oder  gruen,  es  ist  mir  nur  ums  Beste  zu  thun. 

So  freuet  eucji  denn  nach  der  Zeit; 

Denn  es  waehrt  jetzt  nicht  mehr  weit. 

Sehnet  euch  darnach  mit  Herz  und  Mund: 

Denn  es  naht  nun  bald  die  Stund, 

Wo  wir  begleiten  werden  zum  Altar 

Das  junge,  glueckliche  Liebespaar. 

Denn  von  ihnen   wurde  ich   beschenket 

Mit  diesem  schcenen   Band  so  rot. 

Das  junge  Liebespaar  soil  leben 

Durch  ein  dreimal  "VIVAT  HOGH!" 

Tliere    are   many    variations    of   parts    of   this   poem    often    improvised    by   the 
"Wedding-Bidder." 

Here  is  one  of  these  variations:     Conclusion: 

Kommet  alle  zur  rechten  Zeit; 
Denn   Ihr  findet  alles  wohlbereit. 
An  Aufwartung  soil  es  nicht  fehlen; 
Denn  ich  bin  selber  dabei. 
Steckt   aber  .scharfe  Messer  bei; 
Denn  es  soil  etwas  vom  Besten  sein. 
Dann  setze  ich  mich  auf  die  Bank; 
Dann  wird  mir  die  Zeit  nicht  lang. 
Drauf  setz'  ich  mich  beim  Herrn. 
Denn  ich  denk'  ich  bin  es  wohl  wert. 
Hab'  ich  es  nicht  gut  gemacht, 
Ich  hab'  es  doch  zu  End'  gebracht. 


For  about  thirty-five  &r  moie  years  the  following  custom  has  grown  into  favor. 
On  Sunday  afternoon  preceding  the  wedding  the  lady  friends  of  the  bride  wend 
their  way  to  her  house.  They  carry  a  long  garland  or  wreath  made  of  flowers, 
corn  husks  or  evergreen  or  paper  flowers  according  to  the  season.  Upon  entering 
the  room  the  wreath  is  laid  upon  the  ground  and  a  lady  friend  recites  the  follow- 
ing or  something  similar:  "Bride  and  Bridegroom:  this  is  the  day  on  which 
we  all  ©O'er  our  felicitations  and  tender  you  this  wreath.  It  is  the  wreath  of  your 
youth,  of  your  innocence,  of  your  virtue.  It  is  neither  large  nor  is  it  small.  You 
may,  however,  be  well  contented  with  it.  You  have  mutually  pledged  your  love 
and  fidelity  to  walk  through  life  in  peace  and  joy.  Therefore,  we  all  wish  to  you 
both  much  happiness  and  blessing,  long  life  and  health." 

This  was  written  on  paper  cut  in  the  form  of  a  heart  and  encased  in  a 
wreath.  After  the  verses  have  been  read  or  recited,  the  wreath  is  turned  over 
to  the  bride.  It  is  highly  esteemed  and  framed  with  the  bridal  wreath  and  hung 
up  in  the  living  room  or  parlor.     Should  the  bride  fail  to  receive  such  felicitations. 


MR.  JOHN  EGGERMANN 


MRS.  JOHN  EGGERMANN 


it  would  be  a  sign  of  either  being  without  friends  or  of  improper  conduct  during 
her  courtship.  It  was  also  a  custom  that  the  bride  ended  by  inviting  her  friends 
to  a  luncheon  and  a  dance  and,  of  course,  by  this  time,  if  not  sooner,  the  young 
gentlemen  friends  had  appeared  on  the  scene. 

SUPERSTITION  OF  THE  OLD  SETTLERS 


It  is  remarkable  to  what  extent  our  pioneers  coming  from  little  towns  in 
Europe  secluded  for  centuries  from  the  world  at  large  were  given  to  superstitious 
beliefs  and  practices.  But  in  this,  they  were  perhaps  not  different  from  people 
elsewhere   as   records  show. 

"We  were  afraid  to  look  into  a  corner  for  fear  of  Hexen  (witches),"  we  were 
told  by  a  good  old  matron.  "Almost  every  third  person  was  looked  upon  as  a 
"Hexe,"  wizard  or  witch,"  said  an  old  settler.  Even  now  there  are  a  number  of 
persons  that  still   fear  them.     Various   precautions   and  charms  were  employed  to 


nullify  the  wicked  machinations  and  spells  of  the  witches.  A  horse  or  cow  took 
sick  or  died;  forthwith  it  was  "verhexf  or  bewitched.  A  person  was  bedridden 
for  some  time;  a  witch  was  the  cause.  The  feather  bed  was  ripped  open  and,  if 
there  were  any  traces  of  wreaths  or  some  such  thing,  it  was  the  work  of  a  "ver- 
dollte  Hexe."  The  feathers  were  boiled  in  hot  water  or  milk,  to  drive  away  the 
witch.  Some  would  take  out  the  heart  of  the  dead  animal  and  boil  it  and  the 
first  person  entering  the  house  while  this  was  going  on,  was  the  guilty  wizard 
or  witch.  Others  claimed  to  have  seen  the  spirits  of  the  departed  and  to  have 
seen  burning  candles  moving  about,  to  have  seen  the  fence  hung  with  white  sheets. 
If  a  dog  annoyed  the  sleepers  by  his  unremitting  barking  at  night,  one  in  that 
nighborhood  was  surely  going  to  die  very  soon.     If  the  wheels  would  turn  around 


DR.  HENRY  EVERSMAN 


"but  not  move  on,  the  charm  was  broken  by  stepping  into  the  spokes  and  breaking 
one.  If  a  person  was  aflicted  with  a  bleeding  or  pain,  the  faith  doctor  was  called 
from  St.  Francis  Township  or  Bishop  Creek,  or  elsewhere.  He  or  she  made  the 
sign  of  the  cross,  prayed,  holding  the  finger  for  a  time,  then  retired  to  another 
room  and,  when  he  or  she  came  out,  the  pain  was  supposed  to  have  vanished  or 
the  bleeding  to  have  ceased.  A  lady  had  visited  a  family,  rocked  the  baby's  cradle; 
when  she  had  bid  adieu,  the  baby  cried  continually; — the  solution  was  simple;  the 
WITCH  was  to  blame.  In  at  least  one  instance,  the  cradle  was  burned;  in  vain; 
.a  second  one  met  with  the  same  fate,  bat  without  result.     A  man  driving  a  team, 

—  39  — 


was  accosted  by  a  neighboring  lady,  who  praised  his  team  and  offered  to  trade. 
He  refused.  She  went  away;  he  drove  up  a  hillock — when  after  a  sudden  jerk 
by  the  horses  the  single  tree  stuck  in  the  ground  about  2^  feet  deep.  Unable  to 
extract  the  same,  he  unhitched  and  called  some  neighbors  to  his  aid.  All  at  once 
he  had  an  idea:  That's  work  of  the  witch  with  whom  he  had  conversed;  he  told 
them  of  his  suspicion  and  all  agreed  with  him  as  to  the  "fact."  The  "bewitched" 
wagon,  it  is  claimed  by  some,  was  left  in  that  spot  for  years  and  a  new  road  was 
started  around  the  old  one.  The  clergy,  with  one  exception,  it  is  said,  did  not 
give  credence  to  such  stories  of  witchcraft,  and  the  one  who  listened  thought  he 
would  cure  them  by  making  them  pay  dearly  to  cure  them  of  the  superstitions. 
An  amusing  story  is  told  of  the  last  secular  pastor.  Father  B.  Bartels  was  one 
day  asked  by  a  man  to  come  out  and  drive  out  the  witches  because  during  the  night 
the  fence  for  a  quarter  of  a  mile  had  been  hung  with  bed  sheets  and  a  filly  stub- 
bornly refused  to  leave  the  stable;  he  promised  to  do  so.  As  soon  as  the  man 
opened  the  door  to  leave,  Father  Bartels  kicked  him  bodily  into  the  street  saying: 
"Are  the  witches  gone  now?" — The  famous  silver  tea  mentioned  in  the  life  of 
Moses  Tipsword  (Souard)  and  consisting  of  water  in  which  a  silver  coin  had  been 
boiled,  is  also  mentioned  among  the  Germans. — A  stone  jar  filled  one  evening 
with  milk  was  found  full  of  blood  the  next  morning  by  a  very  superstitious  lady 
who  ascribed  it  of  course  to  the  "witches,"  instead  of  attributing  it,  as  she  should 
have  done,  to  the  pranks  of  some  practical  joker. — A  farmer's  mower  did  not 
work;  he  was  told  to  go  later  on  and  fire  three  shots  into  it  and  next  day  it  would 
work.  The  one  who  suggested  this  knew  what  was  wrong  and  mended  it  betimes. 
Some  school  boys,  who  carried  mice  in  their  pockets  to  play  with,  were  stupidly 
believed  to  have  supernatural  power  to  change  things  inta^mice,  etc.  So  deep- 
rooted  is  superstition  that  while  the  majority  now  laugh  at  their  former  foolish 
and  sinful  fear  and  credulity,  some  few  still  dread  witch-craft. 

THE  OLD  STAGE  COACH  AND  MAIL  ROUTE 

About  1846  a  stage  coach  line,  carrying  both  passengers  and  mail,  was  run- 
ning from  Indianapolis  to  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Every  10  or  11  miles  there  was  a  relay 
station,  where  the  four  horses  that  drew  the  stage  coach  were  changed.  Every 
tavern-keeper  was  anxious  to  keep  the  horses  for  the  company.  Mr.  Jacob  Fuelle, 
the  genial  and  popular  tavern-keeper  at  Teutopolis,  generally  secured  the  con- 
tract, not  only  because  he  was  the  lowest  bidder,  but  also  because  his  stable  was 
known  as  the  best  along  the  road.  If  a  competitor  got  the  contract,  it  was  soon 
again  given  to  J.  Fuelle.  The  last  two  years,  Jacob  was  permitted  to  retain  care 
of  their  horses  without  any  bid.  The  stage  must  have  been  discontinued  when  the 
Vandalia  railroad  was  opened.  Jacob  was  also  famous  as  host  and,  years  after 
his  death,  old  acquaintances  of  his  inquired  for  him  and  when  apprised  of  his 
demise,  words  like  the  following  were  heard:  "God  bless  his  soul!  Jacob  was 
the  finest  tavern-keeper  on  earth."  No  better  man  ever  lived  than  old  Jack!" 
"I'd  give  ten  dollars  to  eat  another  meal  at  his  tavern.  Poor  soul!  he  is  no  more." 
"The  most  accommodating  tavern-keeper  that  ever  lived." — When  the  driver  of  the 
stage  coach  coming  from  the  east  drew  near  the  village,  he  blew  his  horn  after 
the  manner  of  the  "Postilion"  in  Europe,  unloaded  the  passengers  at  the  tavern 
and  the  mail  at  the  Post  Office,  the  latter  being  in  charge  of  Clement  Uptmor. 
Meanwhile  the  passengers  had  ample  time  to  partake  of  food  and  drink.  The 
drivers  delighted  to  show  expert  driving  in  turning  with  the  coach,  and  more 
than  once  upset  the  coach,  without,  however,  ever  harming  any  one,  as  far  as 
is  known. 

Prior  to  the  coming  of  the  stage  coach,  mail  was  carried  once  a  month,  and 
later,  twice  a  week  on  horseback.     There  was  mail  connection  between  New  York 

—  40  — 


and  St.  Louis.  There  were  relay  stations  about  every  ten  miles.  The  blowing  of 
a  bugle  announced  the  coming  of  the  mail.  A  new  horse  and,  if  necessary,  a  new 
rider  were  ready  to  start  out  with  the  mail  at  once.  Uncle  Sam's  pony  express 
route  often  made  10  miles  in  an  hour.  The  postage  for  letters  was  at  first  25  cents, 
about  1840  it  seems  to  have  been  18  3-4  and  later  on  12  1-2  cents.  At  first  the 
postage  had  to  be  paid  by  the  recipient  of  the  letter.  There  were  no  envelopes 
and  no  postage  stamps.  The  last  page  was  left  unwritten,  the  letter  folded 
and  sealed  and  the  address  put  on.  Later,  when  the  stamps  came  into  use,  a 
young  man  at  Effingham  bought  one  to  send  a  missive  of  love  to  his  sweetheart 
and  not  knowing  how  to  affix  the  stamp,  wrote  on  the  envelope:  "Postage  pre- 
paid;  if  the  darn  thing  would  only  stick." 

POLITICS  AND  PATRIOTISM 

For  the  first  presidential  election  after  the  founding  of  Teutopolis,  the  seven 
voters  assembled  at  Clement  Uptmor's  and  marched  to  Ewington,  the  county  seat 
and  voting  place,  about  seven  miles  west.     Eft'ingham  was  founded  in   1853   only. 


MR.  CHARLES  EVERSMAN 


CLEM   UiTMOR  IV.,  Teacher 


In  the  Wabash  bottom  a  horseman  met  them  and  questioned  them  whither  they 
were  going.  When  he  learned  that  they  were  coming  to  vote,  he  turned  his  horse 
and  galloped  in  the  direction  of  Ewington.  When  the  seven  voters  crossed  the 
Wabash  bridge,  which  was  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  from  the  county  seat,  they 
were  met  by  a  delegation  and  greeted  with  three  hearty  cheers.  A  procession 
was  formed  with  snare  drum,  bass  drum  and  fife  at  its  head.  Amid  continuous 
cheering  they  were  guided  to  the  polls,  and  given  the  Democratic  tickets,  which  Mr. 
Uptmor  read  to  his  fellow  citizens.  Thereupon  they  did  the  patriotic  duty.  This 
over,  the  band  struck  up  a  tune  and  led  them  to  the  hotel  where  the  ladies  had 
prepared  a  fine  dinner  for  them.  Afterwards  Judge  Thornton  made  a  speech,  read 
the  names  of  the  seven  voters  who  had  marcjied  so  far  and  declared  that  not 
only  the  Democratic  party  but  the  whole  county  might  well  be  proud  of  them. — 

._  41  — 


When  the  Teutopolitans  were  about  to  return  home,  a  farmer  drove  up,  invited 
them  to  a  ride  and  took  them  about  three  miles  to  the  east.  After  thanking  their 
host,  they  arrived  at  home  about  sunset.  Though  they  received  mail  twice  a  week, 
the  news  of  Buchanan's  election  arrived  only  after  three  months.  A  ratification 
meeting  was  then  held.  A  barrel  filled  with  tar  was  then  fastened  to  a  pole  by 
means  of  a  log  chain  and  raised  into  the  air.  There  was  no  speech  making.  But 
a  good  singer,  who  was  ignorant  of  the  national  anthem,  sang:  "O  Strassburg, 
O  Strassburg!''  and  "Morgenroth !  Morgenroth!''  When  the  tar-barrel  had  done 
its  service,  three  hearty  cheers  for  the  Democratic  ticket  ended  the  rally. 

During  the  campaign  of  James  Buchanan,  Teutopolis  got  its  first  flag.  The 
Democrats — that  means  all  the  voters  of  those  days — held  a  big  Democratic,  rally 
in  town  and  preparations  were  made  to  erect  a  tall  hickory  pole.  This  custom 
was  observed  as  late  as  the  time  of  President  Grover  Cleveland. 

Before  v/e  conclude  our  GLIMPSES  OF  PIONEER  LIFE  we  cannot  but  say 
a  few  words  of  tribute  to  those  sturdy  women  who  shared  all  the  privations  of 
those  days  with  their  husbands.  Of  them  may  be  said,  MUTATIS  MUTANDIS, 
what  Mr.  H.  Huels  said  of  them.  "They  shared  all  the  pa-ivations,  hardships,  and 
by  industry  and  thrift,  in  most  cases,  succeeded  in  becoming  rather  well-to-do,  or, 
at  least,  to  amass  a  competency  enabling  them  to  pass  their  declining  years  in 
ease  and  comfort.''     Of  one  of  them  He  says:     "It  was  a  happy  union.     For  more 

than  half  s.  century  they  shared  in  the  vicissitudes  of  an  eventful  life.     Mrs. 

well  sustained  the  character  of  wife  and  helpmate  to  the  pioneer  settler.  'Onward 
and  Upward'  was  her  motto.  She  was  always  ready  to  arouse  the  flagging  spirit, 
to  revive  the  drooping  energies,  to  inspire  renewed  exertions,  to  cheer  in  every 
trial,  and  to  soften  the  pang  of  every  disappointment.  Such  traits  of  character, 
we  can  well  comprehend,  were  eminently  useful,  as  the  life  of  the  pioneer  settler 
was  very  tedious,  difl"icult  and  full  of  hardships.  A  kind  mistress,  a  faithful 
friend,  a  davoted  wife  and  loving  mother, — these  are  her  titles  that  command  our 

este2m.     Mrs. was  truly  blessed  in   her  children;    they  were  sincerely   and 

affectionately  attached  to  her. — Her  piety  was  humble  and  self -distrustful;  but  her 
faith  was  firm  and  unclouded,  and  though  her  sufl'erings  were  severe  and  pro- 
tracted, she  was  humbly  and  patiently  resigned  to  their  infliction,  as  the  salutary 
discipline  of  the  fleeting  vanities  of  the  earth." — Mr.  Chas.  Eversman  assures  us 
that  though  the  old  log  houses  were  poor,  still  they  were  clean,  being  whitewashed 
every  spring.  And  no  doubt  they  provided  husband  and  children  with  the  few  com- 
forts they  could  aff"ord.  All  honor  to  these  pioneer  MOTHERS  as  well  as  to  the 
MEN  that  laid  the  foundation  of  our  present  civilization  and  comfort  in  the  then 
wilderness.     May  their  memory  ever  be  held  in  benediction ! 

Before  we  proceed  with  our  Chronicle,  we  subjoin  a  very  interesting  letter 
containing 

A  DESCRIPTION  OF  TEUTOPOLIS 

"In  Canon  Salzbacher's  book,  "Meine  Reise  nach  Nordamerika  im  Jahre  1842,"' 
pp.  225,  226  reprinted  in  "Centralblatt  and  Social  Justice,''  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  Sept. 
1918,  p.  183,  we  find  the  following  interesting  description  of  Teutopolis  apparently 
taken  from  a  letter  of  the  Rev.  Carl  Joseph  Oppermann,  Director  of  the  Priests' 
Seminary  at  Vincennes,  Indiana.  Fr.  Oppermann  visited  Teutopolis  sever;'.!  times 
and  this  letter  must  have  been  written  in  1844  or  1845.  After  touchinp,  upon  liis 
visit  to  St.  Marie  and  Stringtown,  111.,  he  continues: 

"From  Newton  I  went  to  Teutopolis,  a  town  in  the  making,  founded  by  poor 
people  from  Northern  -Germany  with  the  intention  of  preservi'.ig  for  themselves 
and  their  descendants  the  precious  jewel  of  faith  pure  and  unalloyed.     It  was  an 

—  42  — 


ao'veeabie  -urp^'ise  for  me  when  at  a  distance  I  became  awaie  that  thi.s  place  had 
grown  very  much,  had  gained  much  in  beauty  and  had  improved.  I  should  hardly 
have  know/I  irjy  way  unless  the  pealing  of  the  bells  (Bcil,  l]d.)  and  the  people  re- 
joicing coming  out  to  meet  me  had  pointed  out  to  me  t!iat  I  v/as  in  the  vicinity  of 
Teutopolis.  Tears  of  joy  flowed  when  with  old  German  honesty  (Biederkeit)  they 
shook  hands  with  me;  the  wish  was  heard  aloud  that  I  migiit  never  leave  them 
again  aiul  renain  as  their  shepherd  and  Father.  It  gave  a  pan;;-  to  my  heart  to 
ba  Icrcefi  to  reply  that  my  stay  in  their  midst  would  be  of  only  a  few  days  dura- 
tion. The  devotion  and  piety  of  this  congregation  deeply  edified  me;  revelers  and 
spendthrifts,  topers  and  gourm.ands  (Schwelger  und  Prasser,  Saeufer  und  Schlem- 
mei )  are  not  to  be  found  among  them.  Already  more  thaa  ninety  families  live 
here  in  a  circumference  of  6  to  7  miles.  The  love  of  order,  the  thrift  and  in- 
dustry of  the  local  farmers  will  soon  transform  Teutopolis  into  a  pleasant  and 
charming"  phtcf-  of  lesidence.  The  Church  which  three  yai'rs  a,»o  by  its  shabby 
(miserable)    appearance   offended   the   eyes   of  the   Bishop    (Hailandiere),   in   whose 


MR.  H.  H.  HARDIER 


MR.  ANDREW  SCHNEIDER 


company  I  then  visited  the  parish  has  been  atti actively  remodeled,  a  steeple  has 
been  added  tl\ereto,  the  latter  adornd  with  a  bell  weighing  nvjrn  than  900  pounds, 
which  on  Sundays  and  holydays  summons  the  inhabitants  to  divine  service.  The 
zeal  for  rebgion  and  the  love  of  God  has  induced  these  poor  North  Ger.nans  to 
acci'muiate  iilready  $.5C0.G0  earned  in  the  sweat  of  their  brow,  lo  proceed  to  the 
erection  of  a  new  church;  moreover,  to  their  credit  be  it  said — they 
have  purchased  five  times  80  acres  of  land  besides  80  and  40  for  the  priest's  resi- 
dence and  the  school  house.  Happy  the  priest  who  presides  over  a  par-sh  (Con- 
gregation) which  is  aware  that  sacrifices  and  alms  made  foi-  God's  sake  do  not 
empoveiish   but  enrich. 

To  remedy  the  inconvenience  of  driving  30  (23  miles — Ed.)  to  a  mill,  Uptmor 
Brother:,  have  begun  to  erect  a  mill  on  the  corner  of  Pearl  an  t  Cohuribu-;  Street; 
witu  God's  help  it  will  b?  in  operation  next  spring.  An  intelligent  physician,  who 
has  perfect  cominand  of  both  languages,  the  German  and  i:he  English,  has  also 
taketi  up  his  residence  in  Teutopolis  as  did  several  mechanics   vaose  services  are 

_  43  — 


indispensable  to  the  farmer.  The  Post  Office,  a  Justice  of  the  Peace,  are  also 
found  in  [he  town  in  which  141  members  own  their  own  lots  Every  lot  is  pro- 
vide I  vitli  a  garden  so  that  every  proprietor  of  a  lot  is  ^he  owner  of  four  acres 
of  land  iii  town.  A  lot  is  to  be  had  for  five  dollars.  The  country  is  healthful;  he 
who  desires  to  devote  himself  to  agriculture  (tilling  the  soil)  finds  what  he  de- 
sires. The  fat  prairies  are  very  useful  for  raising  stock;  sheep  raising  has  so 
far  given  very  satisfactory  results.  The  border  of  the  forest  is  inhabiteil  by  farm- 
ers who  at  dusk  need  neither  Virgilian  shepherds'  lute  nor  Swiss  Reigen  to 
call  their  flocks  grazing  and  (reposing)  in  the  exuberant  prairies  be- 
side their  homes.  Agriculture  flourishes  exceedingly;  I  beheld  with  my  own 
eye.s  how  a  farmer  bartered  37  gallons  of  honey  for  store  goods,  saying  that  he 
had  not  yet  emptied  all  the  honey-combs.  A  German  that  intends  io  devote  him- 
self tc  agricultural  pursuits  and  at  the  same  time  to  preserve  his  faith  pure  and 
unalloyed,  fivids  in  and  near  Teutopolis  the  realization  of  his  deiii'e-5.  Against  the 
Catholic  sense  of  these  good  North  Germans  the  sectarian  spirit  of  faction  has  so 
far  dasliet;  in  vain,  although  it  has  made  repeated  attempts  to  stii  up  dissensions 
among  Liiem.  May  they  remain  steadfast  to  the  joy  and  honor  of  their  former 
country  men,  who  in  Cincinnati  are  favorably  known.  May  many  more  Catholic 
Christians  join  them  who  by  word  and  conduct  may  contribute  to  our  failh  and  to 
the  .sunetification  of  souls." 

(End  of  Glimpses  of  Pioneer  Life) 


CHAPTER  IV. 


FROM  THE  BEGINNING  OF  THE  CIVIL  WAR,  A.  D.,   1861—1900 

Th  slavery  question  and  other  difi'erences  about  state  rights,  etc.,  of  long 
standing  had  finally  led  to  the  Civil  War.  When  news  of  the  outbreak  arrived, 
Illinois  was  ablaze  with  enthusiasm  and  immediately  thousands  of  volunteers  of- 
fered their  services  to  the  Government.  Effingham  County,  in  general,  and  Teu- 
topolis nobly  did  its  duty.  Mr.  Lang  Kelly,  of  Ewington,  formed  a  company  of 
cavalry,  the  "home  guards,"  as  tthey  were  named,  comprising  392  men.  Fred  and 
Joseph  Thoele,  and  H.  and  Fritz  Riemann  joined  them.  Eveiy  week  these  home 
guards  met  somewhere  in  the  county  for  a  drill.  One  day  Teutopolis  was  electrified 
by  the  cry  that  the  home  guards  were  coming.  Soon  the  whole  population  was 
astir.  The  ladies  made  elaborate  preparation  hospitably  to  entertain  the  patriots. 
And  on  they  came  in  fine  grey  uniforms,  riding  eight  abreast,  without  pistol  and 
sword;  and  well  it  was,  for  many  a  one  of  those  lads  had  trouble  enough  to  control 
his  horse.  After  an  hour's  drill  on  some  vacant  lots  back  of  the  college,  captain  Kel- 
ly ordered:  "Forward  march!"  and  so  they  did,  not  for  the  bloody  fray,  but  to  at- 
tack the  chickens,  potatoes,  cakes  and  pies,  which  the  kind  ladies  had  provided  on 
a  long  table  in  the  pin  oak  grove,  where  George  Deyman's  home  is.  Nor  were  the 
horses  forgotten.  Some  veterans  remarked  that  these  were,  indeed,  the  finest 
bunch  of  fighting  men  they  had  seen  and,  if  they  would  fight  as  well  as  they  ate, 
well,  the  homes  and  hearths  would  be  safe  indeed.  The  repast  over,  off  the  home 
guards  rode  and  were  seen  no  more.  When  soon  after  the  Government  called  for 
more  soldiers,  90  of  the  392  enlisted.  But  Teutopolis  did  furnish  a  number  of 
volunteers:  Hy.  Uptmor,  Jos.  Bussman,  John  C.  Eversmann,  Hy.  Rump,  Sam  Mc- 
Elheny,  (living  at  Toledo,  111.),  Herm.  Schniederjan,  S.  Engel,  Wm.  Weber,  Fr.  Hofer, 
Jos.  Stallings  (living  at  Effingham),  Hy.  Busse,  F.  Friepoertner,  Geo.  Weis,  John 
Zerrusen  and  Anton  Pfarber.  The  latter  fell  at  Shiloh,  Apr.  6,  1862;  Geo.  Weis  and 
J.  Zerrusen  were  killed  at  Fort  Donnelson,  February  15,  1862.     G.  Herboth  enlisted 

—  44  — 


while  working  at  Cincinnati  and  Dr.  Hy.  Eversman  was  surgeon  in  the  army.  His 
Brother  Chas.  ran  away  to  serve  in  the  war  and  was  sworn  in  at  Bird's  Point, 
Mo.,  when  his  father,  Dr.  F.  F.  Eversman,  came  to  reclaim  him  saying:  "Two 
sons  in  the  army  is  enough;"  he  wanted  to  keep  one  at  home.  Gerard  Runde  seems 
to  have  acted  repeatedly  as  substitute.  Owing  to  this  comparatively  large  num- 
ber ot  volunteers,  no  draft  took  place  (H.  of  Effingham  Co.)  for  some  time.  But 
later  en,  there  were  some  drafts.  Those  at  home  also  did  their  duty  by  supplying 
food  and  money,  etc.  They,  too,  saw  hard  times  when  prices  soared  skywaid. 
Great  difficulty  was  experienced  to  get  the  funds  for  the  new  college  and  semi- 
nary that  the  Franciscans  were  building — 1861-'62.  On  December  11th,  1861,  the 
Ven.  School  Sisters  of  Notre  Dame  came  to  Teutopolis.  In  1863  Mr.  H.  Huels' 
house,  inhabited  by  Ketteler,  burned  down. — Great  was  the  joy  when  the  bloody 
strife  ended  and  "the  boys''  came  home  from  war. 

"THE  DUTCHTOWN  WAR"— 1867 

Scon  however,  there  was  to  occur  another  War  not  reported  in  larger  histories, 
we  mean  the  "Dutchtown  War,''  a  good  joke  on  the   (Watson  or)   Mason  people. 


HT  J0SEPH8  SEMINARY  AND  COLLEGE,  TEUTOPOLIS,  ILLINOIS.  18(i2. 


It  probably  happened  in  fall  1867,  when  the  Teutopolis  parish  purchased  a  pipe 
organ  from  the  Gratian  Organ  Company,  at  Alton,  111.  The  pipes,  etc.,  were 
shipped  via  Mattcon  to  Effingham  whence  the  farmers  hauled  them  to  Teutopolis. 
The  account  of  this  "War"  against  either  the  altar  pillars  about  1860  or  1861, 
when  :Mr.  Hy.  Eversman,  the  teacher,  organist  and  sexton,  was  sweeping  the 
church  as  the  "scouts  or  spies"  from  Mason,  etc.,  came,  whose  intent  was  later  on 
revealed  to  Dr.  Hy.  Eversman  by  Mr.  Kagay,  who  was  one  of  the  spies — or  in 
1867,  if  the  PIPE  ORGANS,  as  others  insist,  were  the  innocent  cause  of  the  ex- 
citement, as  old  pioneers  and  CHAS.  EVERSMAN  in  "History  of  Effingham  Coun- 
ty,'' p.  127  insist, — is  partly  humorous  though  based  on  a  fact.  Mr.  A.  D.  Mc- 
Callen  wrote  a  series  of  Articles  for  the  "Effingham  Record''.  When,  some  weeks 
ago,     we     asked     to     see     these  file?,     we     were     told     that  the     old  files     "were 

—  45  — 


binding-''  and  could  not  be  seen  for  two  or  more  weeks. — Editor.  McCallen 
kindly  gave  us  the  following  information:  "All  I  know  about  the  "Dutchtown 
War"'  was  the  account  given  in  the  County  History,  published  by  O.  L.  Baskin  & 
Co.,  about  1881  or  1882,  which  was  somewhat  legendary,  the  foundation  for  which 
was  the  shipping  or  hauling  of  the  pipe  organ  some  time  in  the  60's  (prob.  Oct. 
or  Nov.  1867 — Ed.),  from  Effingham  to  Teutopolis,  when  some  one  started  the  re- 
port that  the  Catholics  were  arming  and  preparing  to  make  a  war  of  extermina- 
tion against  all  protestants  of  the  County.  From  the  History  referred  to  and 
information  which  I  had  from  some  of  the  oldest  settlers  of  the  county,  it  seems 
that  some  of  the  citizens  of  the  village  of  Mason  took  the  rumor  seriously  and 
raised  and  armed  and  had  begun  to  drill  a  small  company  of  men  for  defense 
before  the  "guns"  were  found  to  be  the  pipe  organ  at  Teutopolis. 

The  incident  is  more  humorous  than  otherwise,  but  tends  to  show  the  credulity 
and  error  which  often  moved  and  misled  good,  honest  intentioned  people  in  our 
country's  pioneer  days.  Hoping  that  this  may  give  you  the  true  "inerdness"  of 
the  Dutchtown  War,  I  am 

Very  respectfully, 

A.  D.  McCALLEN. 


On  May  20,  the  surveyors  of  the  new  railroad  were  at  work  near  the  college 
On  -January  6,  1868^  the  farmers  and  others  who  had  often  been  overreached  by 
the  insuiance  companies,  m.et  at  Clement  Uptmor's  store  and  organized  a  MUTUAL 
FIRE  INSURANCE  COMPANY.  Mr.  John  H.  V/ernsing  was  elected  President 
and  G.  Habing  as  Secretary.  Ssven  directors  were  also  elected  for  the  seven 
townships  interested.  Soon  after  this,  Teutopolis  was  asked  to  contribute  $1000.00 
towards  surveying  the  railroad.  Several  enterprising  citizens  subscribed  the  sum, 
but  soon  circulated  a  petition  that  this  money  be  levied  by  taxation.  The  voters 
approved  of  this.  Next  the  township  was  requested  to  subsr.riba  to  the  capital 
stock  of  the  new  railroad.  An  election  ratified  the  issuing  of  bonds  to  the  amount 
of  $15,000.00  of  which  $7,500.00  were  to  be  paid  in  lC8i  and  $7500.00  in  1885,  all 
bearing  10  percent  interest.  The  people  voted  in  favor  of  the  bonds.  On  July  1, 
the  first  mail  from  the  east  arrived.  The  citizens,  who  are  said  to  have  refused 
the  right  of  way  to  the  I.  C.  R.  R.  Co.,  for  fear  of  the  baneful  effect  on  morals, 
now  indulged  in  day-dreams  of  a  great  future;  a  boom  of  real  estate,  large  manu- 
facturing plants,  no  need  of  work  or  paying  taxes — the  big  dividends  from  the 
railroad  would  take  care  of  that — flitted  before  their  vision.  But  to  translate  this 
vision  into  reality,  depot  and  side-track  v/ere  a  necessity.  But  where  build  them? 
Two  factions  formed  at  once:  The  Up-towners  and  the  Down-tcwners.  Finally 
$1450.00  were  voted  for  to  purchase  the  requisite  land.  The  ac.tion  was  declared 
illegal  by  the  opponents  and  the  deadlock  was  broken  by  taking  the  matter  cut 
of  the  liands  of  the  Village  Board. 

About  this  time  we  boasted  even  of  a  brewery  located  on  Salt  Creek,  north 
of  town.  Mr.  Mathias  Krieg  was  tlie  owner.  But  the  water,  it  seems,  was  not 
the  kind  needed  and  the  brev/ery  was  discontinued.  Despite  blasting,  some  vaults 
still  remain.  On  April  30,  1869,  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor  turned  over  the  Post  Office  to 
Mr.  Joseph  Habing,  who  transferred  the  fixtures  to  the  Joseph  Horn  Building. — • 
On  November  1st,  the  first  freight,  consisting  of  two  carloads  of  salt,  one  for  Mr. 
C.  Uptmor,  the  other  for  Mr.  P.  Wiwi,  arrived  at  Teutopolis  via  the  Vandalia 
Road.  On  June  12,  1870  passenger  trains  began  to  run  according  to  schedule  time. 
Mr.  Joseph  Habing  died  on  November  9,  1871.  On  March  2,  1872,  Messrs.  Joseph 
Brumleve  and  John  Kroeger  returned  with  their  Doctor's  diplomas.  On  Septem- 
ber  12,   a   Frenchman   was  found   dead   near  the   Funnemann   farm.     His   relatives 

—  46  — 


were  notified.  On  Febniary  7,  1872,  three  marriages  were  solemnized.  In  April, 
P.  Stumborg's  stable  was  consumed  by  fire.  Two  horses  belonging  to  F.  Metten 
perished  in  the  fire.  In  1878  .'■everal  BRICK  houses  were  erected.  On 
Sept.  14,  a  freight  train  derailed  at  Teut^Tjolis  owing  to  an  open  switch; 
two  cars  loaded  with  cattle  had  their  freight  scatte^-ed,  but  no  life  was  lost. 

On  January  8,  1879,  after  an  illness  of  five  months  with  cancer  of  the  stomach, 
Mr.  John  Ferd.  Waschefort  passed  to  his  reward.  He  was  one  of  the  most  promi- 
nent men  of  the  village,  one  of  the  chief  founders  and  an  early  settler.  He  was 
born  at  Adelrup,  Essen,  in  Oldenburg,  on  January  9  1811.  His  parents  were  Cas- 
par Hoppe,  called  Waschefort,  and  Adelaide  Waschefort.  He  came  to  America 
at  the  age  cf  20,  to  Baltimore  and  thence  to  Cincinnati.  Having  learned  to  make 
ropes,  he,  in  1835,  formed  a  partnership  with  John  H.  Hackmann  and  Mr.  George 
Venr.emann.     Soon    they    estr.blished    branch    stores    at    Evansville    and    Teutopolis 


THE  OLD  KRIEG  BREWERY 


adding  general  merchandise,  hardware,  etc.  Mr.  Waschefort  seems  to  have  come 
to  Teutopolis  in  March  1840.  As  he  was  a  shrewd  business  man,  packed  hogs  and 
managed  a  large  farm;  his  teamsters  were  on  the  road  between  Teutopolis  and 
Evansville  almost  continually.  In  1857,  the  partnership  was  dissolved  and  Mr. 
Hackmann  retained  the  store  at  Cincinnati  and  Mr.  Vennemann  the  one  at  Evans- 
ville, Mr.  Waschefort  the  one  at  Teutopolis.  In  this  year  Mr.  Waschefort  built 
the  combination  saw  mill  and  grist  mill  northeast  of  his  residence.  In  1839  he  had 
married  Marie  Gertrude  Drees.  Both  were  very  generous  to  the  poor.  Four  or 
five  houses  in  the  east  end  of  Teutopolis  were  ever  ready  to  harbor  poor  people 
whom  he  gave  em.ployment  and  whom  he  helped  to  get  food  and  clothing.  His 
wife  bore  him  one  son,  Ferdinand,  who  died  of  heart  failure  at  Laredo,  Texas,  in 
March,  1891.  Of  the  three  daughters,  Caroline  became  Mrs.  Hy.  Ever.sman,  Elis., 
Mrs.  Hackmann,  and  Mary,  Mrs.  Specker  at  Cincinnati.  Despite  some  unpopular 
moves,  Mr.  Waschefort  was  public-spirited  and  promoted  many  undertakings, 
esperjally  educational  and  religious.  To  the  Franci.scans  he  was  a  father  and  great 
benefactor. 

■  —  47  — 


MR.  BARNEY  WERNSING,  who  had  been  elected  to  the  office  of  County 
Treasurer  in  1879,  was  a  native  of  Cincinnati,  came  hither  as  a  young  man  and 
taught  the  first  Catholic,  (and  public)  school  at  Effingham,  then  at  Bishop  Creek 
and  at  Teutopolis.     He  was  a  man  of  great  ability  and  a  courteous  gentleman. 

In  February  1880,  Mr.  Gerard  Hy.  Bergfeld,  one  of  the  most  prominent  found- 
ers of  Teutopolis,  met  death  in  a  most  tragic  manner.  Returning  from  High  Mass 
on  Sunday,  he  noticed  at  the  depot  a  west-bound  train  with  a  double  tender  waiting 
for  the  passing  of  an  east-bound  train.  He  must  have  planned  to  steal  a  ride, 
and  though  warned  by  Chas.  Eversman,  who  motioned  to  him  to  get  off,  he  did 
not  heed  nor  notice.  In  the  afternoon  he  was  found  near  the  culvert  close  to  his 
farm.  Mr.  Bergfeld  was  lying  on  his  back,  feet  towards  the  railroad  track,  the 
upper  head  covering  his  face,  blood  and  brain  scattered  all  over,  one  glove  in  his 
hand,  the  other  and  his  pipe  by  his  side.  The  coroner's  inquest  found  both  arms 
broken  and  the  chest  crushed.  Deceased  was  still  spry  and  had  lived  here  nearly 
40  years  and  was  universally  respected.  When  his  remains. were  laid  to  rest,  a 
large  concourse  of  people  paid  their  last  marks  of  respect. 

In  1882,  Mr.  C.  Uptmor  and  Son  put  up  a  large  steam  mill  at  the  expenditure 
of  $40,000.00.  About  the  middle  of  the  nineties  it  was  much  enlarged  and  turns 
out  excellent  flour,  about  300  barrels  per  day.  The  product  is  shipped  even  to 
England   and   Ireland. 

In  January  1883,  Messrs.  J.  Fuelle  and  Saunders  collected  for  a  fire  engine. 
The  Parish  and  the  College  contributed  $50.00  each.  About  this  time  appeared 
"THE  HISTORY  OF  EFFINGHAM  COUNTY."  It  is  an  excellent  work.  On  May 
20,  Teutopolis  lost  one  of  its  most  prominent  and  respected  citizens,  Francis  F. 
Eversman,  M.  D.  He  was  a  native  of  Iburg  in  Hanover.  His  birth  occurred  on 
October  20th,  1807.  In  1837,  he  came  to  Baltimore,  where  he  finished  his  school- 
ing. During  his  collegiate  course  he  worked  in  the  drug  store  of  a  Hospital.  At 
Cincinnati  he  studied  medicine  (1847 — '50).  When  a  terrible  epidemic  of  cholera 
raged  in  1849  and  people  were  dying  by  the  thousands,  our  student  volunteered  his 
services,  since  there  was  a  great  lack  of  doctors.  Having  received  his  diploma, 
he  remained  at  Cincinnati  about  two  years,  after  which  he  removed  to  Teutopolis 
in  1852.  Of  his  union  to  Miss  Charlotte  Fire,  three  sons  were  born:  Henry,  Chas., 
and  John.  Dr.  Eversman  also  acted  as  Post  Master  for  a  number  of  years  and  as 
town  clerk  for  some  time.  In  1865  he  opened  a  di'ug  store,  which  was  conducted 
by  his  son  Charles.  After  practicing  here  for  21  years.  Dr.  Eversman  was  called 
to  his  final  reward.  His  funeral  was  one  of  the  most  imposing  Teutopolis  has 
ever  seen.  To  the  Franciscans  he  was  like  a  father,  never  charging  them  or  the 
Sisters  for  his  services.  He  was  universally  esteemed  as  an  able  and  conscientious 
physician,  a  faithful  parishioner,  and  an  amiable  character. 

1884 
On  June  5,  1884,  thei'e  passed  away  the  first  Citizen  of  Teutopolis,  Mr.  Hy. 
Uptmor.  His  family  we  can  ti'ace  back  to  John  Hy.  Uptmor,  born  November  18. 
1771,  and  his  wife  Anna  Margaret,  nee  Nordlohn,  born  September  2,  1774.  Their 
children  were  John  Hy.,  Clement,  Herman  Hy.,  and  Joseph  (born  1817  and  drowned 
in  the   North   Sea),  John   Hy.,  Jr.,  was  a  native  of  Amt,  Vechta,   Oldenburg.     He 

learned  the  shoemaker's  trade  and  married  Miss  Dependener.     To  this  union 

four  children  weie  born:  Mary  18 —  (Mrs.  Theo.  Pruemmer),  Phil.  Josephine  (Mrs.  J. 
B.  Schniederjan)  died  in  Kansas,  Clement  Uptm.or  II.,  of  Lillyville,  (died  in  Texas), 
and  Hy.  died  at  the  age  of  21  years.  The  wife  died  at  Cincinnati  where  from 
1834 — '39   he   plied  the   .shoemaker's   trade.     The   children   came   with   him   to   Teu- 

—  48  — 


topoli?  in  April  1839  (C.  Uptmor  IV).  In  1864  the  father  married  again,  viz: 
His  second  wife  was  Mary  Anne  Johring-.  In  1873  he  returned  to  towTi.  He  suf- 
fered with  cancer  and  bore  his  great  pains  with  unflinching  courage  and  trust  in 
God. — At  the  end  of  April  a  spark  from  a  locomotive  set  fire  to  Uptmors  granary. 
At  a  meeting  held  in  the  school  hall,  the  question  of  paying  the  railroad  bonds 
was  discussed.  At  the  request  of  Supervisor  G.  Kreke,  a  committee  was  elected 
to  assist  him  in  this  important  matter.  The  subsequent  election  decided  to  refund 
the  bonds  at  a  lower  rate  of  interest.  In  March,  1884,  Teutopolis,  being  the  ban- 
ner Democratic  Township  in  the  state,  was  presented  with  a  silk  flag.  Hon.  John 
R.  Eden  delivered  the  presentation  speech.  Mr.  George  Kreke  was  instrumental 
in  securing  the  flag  by  persuading  "Salt  Creek  Jim'"  Edwards,  whom  Boss  Chas. 
Butler  of  the  Effingham  roundhouse,  had  caused  to  move  the  railroad  bridge 
watchman's  shack  across  Salt  Creek  to  wipe  out  the  solid  Democratic  vote — for 
once  not  to  cast  his  ballot.  Mr.  Butler,  and  not  Mrs.  Ada  H.  Kepley,  deserves  the 
main  credit  for  breaking  up  the  solid  Democratic  vote  of  the  Teutopolis  Township, 
though  after  the  famous  Republican  rally  in  1888,  eight  Republican  votes  were  cast. 


OLD  WEBER  HOUSE,  SOUTH  OF  TEUTOPOLIS 


On  September  4,  1884,  :\Ir.  J.  H.  Wernsing,  aged  55  years,  suffered  a  stroke 
of  apoplexy  while  decorating  the  Bishop  Church.  Father  Paul  had  barely  time  to 
administer  Extreme  Unction  when  he  gave  back  his  soul  to  his  Creator.  A  widow 
and  six  small  children  mourned  his  demise.  The  Township  lost  an  able  Justice 
of  the  Peace,  who  possessed  the  unbounded  confidence  of  the  people  and  who 
caused  many  quarrels  to  be  peacefully  settled  by  showing  that  "Ein  magerer 
Vergleich  ist  besser  als  ein  fetter  Prozess."  He  also  made  out  and  presei-\'ed  deeds 
for  many.  As  he  had  been  school  director  for  many  years,  all  the  pupils  of  our 
schools  attended  the  obsequies. — St.  Joseph's  College  has  put  up  a  large  wing  on 
the  west  side.  An  epidemic  of  typhoid  malaria  broke  out,  to  which  several  victims 
succumbed:  Mr.  Degenhardt  of  Collinsville,  Mr.  Conrad  Breitenstein,  B.  Fiddler 
of  Madison,  Iowa.  On  October  29th,  Very  Rev.  Prov.  Vinc,ent,  O.  F.  M.,  dedicated 
the  new  wing  and  the  epidemic  ceased.  Revs.  Raynerius  Dickneite,  O.  F.  M.,  and 
J.  ^Meckel  were  the  festive  preachers.  The  Teutopolis  Band  played  at  the  Altamont 
Fair  about  January  1885. 

—  49  — 


1885 

The  Narrow  Gauge  R.  R.  put  in  a  switch  at  Eversman  Station  for  the  conveni- 
ence of  our  grain  dealers,  as  the  difference  in  freight  paid  by  Teutopolis  is  12  cents 
higher  than  at  Dieterich.  On  August  5,  lightning  struck  Buehnerkempe's  chim- 
ney anH  killed  three  steers  in  Wascheforts  jjasture.  In  this  month  malaria  was 
prevalent. 

On  Mondap,  February  22,  towards  midnight,  the  cry  resounded:  "Fire!"  The 
village  was  as  bright  as  day;  firemen  and  people  rushed  eastward. — The  old  Wasche- 
fort  mill,  recently  acquired  by  Mr.  John  Weis,  was  ablaze  and  was  destroyed.  The 
village  decided  to  purchase  a  hose  wagon  and  to  complete  the  side  walk  to  the 
cemetery.  A  resolution  was,  moreover,  passed  to  have  recourse  to  law  in  order 
to  recover  the  market  places. 

In  October,  the  village  authorities  let  the  contract  for  two  cisterns,  one  in 
front  of  I\Ir.  Uptmor's  house,  the  other  in  front  of  Mr.  H.  H.  Hardiek's  store. 

THE  WASHINGTON  COLONIZATION  COMPANY  was  organized  on  Wed- 
nesday, Dec.  2,  1885,  at  ]Mr.  Kuethers  store  (now  J.  H.  J.  Buenker's).  About  fifty 
persons  were  present.  The  Company  elected  Mr.  F.  Hattrup  as  president  and  H. 
Kuether  as  secretary.  Messrs.  B.  Forsman,  J.  Drees,  B.  Kreke,  Jos.  Arnzen  and 
John  Weis  were  elected  as  committee  to  inspect  the  district  to  be  settled.  Twenty 
citizens  of  Teutopolis  subscribed  as  members.  They  received  a  Itter  from  Walla 
Walla  describing  the  district  as  a  regular  Canaan. — On  January  1,  1886,  the  Coloni- 
zation Company  chose  Messrs.  F.  Hattrup  and  B.  Forsman  of  Bishop  Creek  to 
inspect  the  land.  Eight  new  members  joined.  Messrs.  Hattrup  and  Forsman  set 
out  the  following  Monday  on  their  mission.  At  the  next  meeting  33  members  paid 
their  dues. 

1888 

In  January,  the  U.  S.  Government  agents  searched  the  stores  and  other  build- 
ings cf  a  number  of  our  best  citizens  for  distilleries,  it  seems;  undoubtedly,  this  act 
of  injustice  was  caused  by  spite  or  by  fanaticism. 

Messrs.  Hattrup  and  B.  Forsman  arrived  in  Moscow,  Idaho,  to  select  a  site  for 
a  colony  of  people  from  Teutopolis,  Green  Creek,  and  Bishop  Creek.  They  return- 
ed in  the  beginning  of  IMarch  with  specimens  of  the  products  of  those  regions. 
On  March  10,  Hy.  Willenborg,  a  son  of  Joseph  and  Maiy  Willenborg,  in  crossing 
the  railroad  on  Garret  Street  (near  the  College)  was  seized  by  a  train,  hurled  to 
a  distance  cf  about  100  feet.  The  front  part  of  the  wagon  was  shattered  while 
the  rear  wagon  remained  almost  intac,t.  Willenborg  was  thrown  on  the  platform 
bleeding  from  a  ghastly  wound.  Dr.  Scheffner  was  immediately  at  hand  and  a 
priest  from  the  College  administered  Extreme  Unction.  He  died  soon  after  at 
the  age  of  24  years.  In  April,  arson  was  attempted  at  the  saloon  of  Wernsing 
and  Oswald.  The  attempt  was  luckily  frustrated  or  the  two  kegs  of  powder  in 
a  nearby  hardware  store  might  have  caused  a  disaster.  In  April  Mr.  John  Weis 
left  for  Moscow,  Idaho,  where  he  was  soon  after  slain  in  a  quarrel.  The  village 
bought  a  lot  in  the  north  of  town  to  lay  out  a  street  long  needed.  It  was  named 
(Morgan  ?  Charley  ?)  Street.  District  No.  5  built  a  new  school  house  in  St.  Francis 
Township,  on  Goebel's  farm.  G.  Ordner  has  the  contract  for  $89.00.  Mr.  Lam- 
bert Flach  built  a  new  Hotel,  named  the  "Washington  House.''  In  the  beginning 
of  October  or  end  of  September,  nine  families  and  10  young  men  left  for  the  new 
colony  at  Moscow,  Idaho:  Hy.  Kueter,  B.  Forsman,  Theodore  and  B.  Heitstum- 
mann,  Anton  Boeckmann,  H.  Keilman,  G.  Herboth,  H.  Hatke,  and  families;  more- 
over, Joseph  and  Peter  Hof,  John  Hille,  Theo.   Schwermann,  in   all   about  47  per- 

—  50  — 


sons.  Despite  the  vacancy  notic.eable  in  Church,  the  schools  are  as  well  attended 
as  ever.  In  December  the  school  tax  is  higher,  because  the  new  law  requires  that 
the  salary  of  the  teachers  be  paid  in  cash,  or  that  a  note  be  given  at  eight  per 
cent  interest.  The  Trade  at  Teutopolis  for  1886  is  shown  by  the  following  figures: 
Our  business  people  paid  this  year  for  goods  sent  and  received  $12,138.10  for 
freight;  $1,150.00  for  expressage;  the  Vandalia  R.  R.  took  in  $1,569.00  for  tickets; 
93  barrels  of  whiskey  and  2,700  kegs  of  beer  were  sold.  Our  mill  ground  75.000 
bu.^hels  of  wheat;  more  than  1,300  hogs  were  packed;  cattle  to  the  value  of 
$3,000.00  were  bought  and  sold  by  our  butchers.  Our  village  Council  spent  $900 
on  improvements  and  $3,262.00  were  paid  in  taxes. 

February  16,  news  arrived  that  the  Alton  diocese  has  been  divided  and  a  new 
diocese  of  Belleville  established. 


MRS.  CLEM  VAHLIXG   (Koelsch) 


MRS.  WM.  HEEMAN,  Midwife 


PLAT  OF  THE  VILLAGE  OF  TEUTOPOLIS 

(Made  by  Chas.  Eversman  in  1890,  January  1,  1890,  ace.  to  orig.  plat) 

"The  village  is  laid  out  upon  Section  13  and  24  Tp.  of  Teutopolis,  Co.  Effing- 
ham, State  of  Illinois,  and  240  acres  are  in  Section  13  and  400  acres  in  Section 
24  a  total  of  640  acres.  Main  Street  is  80  feet  wide  and  runs  east  and  west. 
Vine,  Elm,  Walnut,  Water,  Green,  Race,  Wall,  Washington,  Columbus,  Plum  and 
Pearl  Streets  are  each  60  feet.  Garret,  Southern  and  Northern  Row  and  all  the 
(Alleys?)  running  through  the  outlets  are  only  thirty  feet  in  width,  St.  Charles 
and  Morgan  Street  are  40  feet.  Smith  Street  from  the  Southwest  corner  of  Block 
48  west  then  South  along  the  alley  South  being  from  there  a  street  of  40  feet, 
including  the  alley.  The  building  blocks  are  48  and  each  block  has  nine  lots 
of  49^  feet  in  front  and  533  feet  deep  except  Block  48,  32.  and  16  have  10  lots 
each.  Block  15  has  8  lots.  Block  31  has  five  lots,  block  47  has  2  lots.  Lot  A"  in 
Blk.  9?  Lot  13  in  Block  8,  Lot  F  in  Block  10,  Lot  G  in  Block  8,  Lot  130  in  Block 
3,  Lot  106  in  Blk.  48,  Outlot  108,  118  and  97  are  public  property.  Outlot  No.  118 
is  for  public  graveyard.  There  are  142  outlots.  4  outlots  lettered  C,  D,  E  and  H. 
Block  18  is  all  occupied  by  the  College.     Lot  C,  16  and     17  is     occupied     by     St. 

—  51  — 


Francis  Churcji  and  Convent.     Lot  D.     Lot  4,  Lot  5  and  1  is     occupied     by     the 
school  and  Lots  109,  110,  111,  112,  113,  119,  120  is  the  Catholic  graveyard. 

The  St.  Louis,  Vandalia  and  Terre  Haute  R.  R.  runs  over  Vine  Street  and 
through  outlot  175  and  2.  The  Company  has  a  right  of  way  of  15  feet  on  the 
south  side  of  center  of  the  track  from  the  west  village  line  to  lot  36  in  Block  18, 
and  from  the  Village  line  to  lot  16  in  Block  4  of  40  feet  on  the  north  side  of  the 
center  of  the  rack  from  lot  16  in  Block  4  to  Garret  St.  The  Company  has  140 
feet  north  of  the  center  of  the  track.  Through  Lot  17,  5  and  2  the  40  feet  on 
each  side  of  center  of  the  track.  Through  Lot  142,  141  and  140  in  Block  39  the 
Village  has  a  strip  of  10  feet  as  a  water  run.     See  black  lines  upon  Plat. 

On  January  21,  1892,  Squire  Herman  H.  Huels  breathed  his  last.  Born  Jan- 
uary 30,  1824,  near  Osnabrueck,  Gy.,  he  made  his  studies  at  home,  took  a  course 
of  philosophy  at  Paris,  spent  six  months  in  Italy,  and  as  a  canonical  im- 
pediment preventing  him  from  becoming  a  priest,  he  taught  classical  and  modern 
languages  at  a  Baptist  Academy  in  Bedfordshire.,  England;  came  to  the  Barrens 
(near  Perryville),  Mo.,  seminary  to  teach  the  same  branches,  married  after  one 
year  Miss  Clara  Schwegman  of  Washington,  Mo.  After  service  in  the  office  of 
Mr.  T.  Allen,  who  was  President  of  the  Pacific  Railroad,  he  came  to  Effingham 
County,  taught  school  at  Bishop  (1852 — '54)  and  Teutopolis,  was  for  many  years 
Justice  of  the  Peace  and,  for  a  time,  assistant  county  judge.  In  1861  he  retired 
to  his  farm  near  Salt  Creek,  east  of  Effingham.  He  was  a  loighly  educated  man 
and  for  a  time  Teutopolis  correspondent  of  the  Effingham  Volksblatt   ("Mentor"). 

After  many  futile  attempts,  Mrs.  Vonderheide,  the  Postmistress,  was  finally  re- 
moved due  to  many  irregularities.  She  pleaded  guilty  at  Springfield  and  the  sentence 
wlas  suspended  on  account  of  her  small  children.  During  this  winter  a 
malignant  grippe  was  prevalent  and  demanded  many  victims.  The  Lenten  regu- 
lations were  suspended  on  that  account.  On  April  28,  1892  occurred  the  demise  of 
good  Father  Mauritius  Klostermann,  who  had  guided  the  destinies  of  St.  Joseph's 
College  during  18  years  and  of  the  Commissariate  10  years  and  of  the  province 
during  3  years.  His  funeral  was  the  most  pompous  Teutopolis  has  witnessed: 
two  Bishops,  of  Alton  and  Bellville;  several  Provincials  and  many  priests  and  a 
large  concourse  of  people  paid  their  last  respects  to  his  remains.     R.  I.  P. 

The  obnoxious  Edwards  School  Law  provoked  the  ire  of  the  Catholic  and  Luther- 
an friends  of  parochial  schools  and  as  a  result  the  Republican  party  in  Illinois, 
so  long  entrenched  in  public  offices,  suffered  a  big  defeat. 


1893 

In  January,  Very  Rev.  Rector  Nicholas  Leonard  was  transferred  to  Quincy 
to  act  as  the  head  of  St.  Francis  Solanus  College.  In  July,  Caspar  Nolte,  architect 
and  builder  of  St.  Francis  Church,  passed  away  at  Effingham.  He  was  a  native 
of  Meschede,  born  1819  and  labored  especially  at  St.  Louis  and  Effingham.  At 
the  latter  place  he  was  the  architect  of  Anthony's  Church. 

In  June  1893,  the  contract  for  digging  three  cisterns  for  protection  against 
fire  was  awarded  to  Mr.  Joseph  Blumericli.— On  August  3rd,  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor  I, 
one  of  the  main  founders  and  leading  business  men  of  Teutopolis  gave  back  his 
soul  to  his  Creator.  He  first  saw  the  light  of  day  at  Kirchspiel  Lohne,  in  the  Grand- 
duchy  of  Oldenburg,  whence  most  of  the  settlers  of  this  colony  came.  The  par- 
ents  were   John    Hy.,   born    1771,   and   Anna    Margaret   nee   Nordlohne,   bom    1774. 

—  52  — 


They  seem  to  have  had  seven  children:  John  Hy.,  born  1803:  Catherine  Mary, 
Taom  1806;  Clement,  born  Sept.  10,  1806;  Cath.  Eliz.,  born  1808;  Hennan  Hy.,  born 
1812;  Mary  Anna,  born  1814  and  Joseph,  who  was  drowned  in  the  North  Sea  in 
1814.  Clement  went  to  school  until  10  years  of  age,  then  with  his  father  worked 
in  summer  on  a  herring  boat,  attending  school  in  winter.  He  learned  the  trade 
of  ship  carpenter.  After  serving  4-7  years  in  the  infantry,  he,  with  Herman,  his 
"brother  came  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  and  labored  there  as  carpenter  until  1836,  then 
both  went  to  Vicksburg,  Miss.,  and  returned  to  Cincinnati,  April  1837.  Here  Clem- 
ent and  two  or  three  others  founded  the  German  Land  Company,  selected  the  site 
and,  after  marrying  in  September  1839,  Mary  Eliz.  Niehaus,  came  with  his  brother 
Herman  Hy.  and  Clem  Vahling  and  families  to  Teutopolis,  on  Dec.  21,  1839.  lie 
soon  established  a  store,  became  the  first  postmaster,  opened  a  packing  house  in 
winter,  with  his  brother  H.  H.,  built  the  famous  windmill  and  later  on  the  large 
Hope  Roller  ^lill  and  died  as  one  of  the  wealthiest  and  most  respected  citizens. 
Jn    Sept.    1889   he  celebrated   hi?   gohlen   wedding.     His   wife   preceded   him   to   the 


VERY  REV.  GREGORY  JAXlvXECHT, 
O.  F.  M. 


REV.  CAPISTRAX  ZWINGE,  O.F.M. 


■grave  on  July  10,  1890.     The  union  of  both  had  been  blessed  with  fourteen  children. 
His  son  Clement  Uptmor  surnamed  III,  succeeded  him  in  business. 

Uptmor  and  Siemer  erected  a  new  elevator  in  1894.  In  Februaiy,  John  Bur- 
ford  built  the  cells  of  the  lock-up  of  steel  (for  $185.00).  In  April,  Frye's  division 
of  Coxey's  arm.y  reached  Teutopolis  and  the  men  were  entertained  with  food  and 
drink  and  slept  in  an  old  ice-house.  Only  fifty  remained  of  the  big  army  en 
route  to  Washington,  to  ask  Congress  for  employment.  In  the  village  hall,  Frye 
deliveietl  a  speech  containing  mucli  common  sense  and  some  nonsense.  A  tannery 
was  erected  in  1894  by  Mr.  Broeringsmeyer.  On  August  3,  1894,  John  H.  Runde 
died  suddenly  after  li\ang  here  40  years  and  making  many  friends  by  his  honesty 
and  kind  ways.  Industry  and  economy  enabled  him  to  spend  his  declining  days 
in  peace  and  comfort.     He  was  a  native  of  Lathen,  Hannover,  where  he  was  born 

—  53  — 


Aug.  1826.  Coming  to  America  in  1849,  he  settled  here  in  1854.  By  Sept.  the 
machinery  for  the  tannery  had  arrived;  twenty  men  are  to  be  employed.  On  Nov. 
12th,  Hoedebecke  and  Ben  Weber  took  possession  of  Frank  Adams'  hardware- 
store.     Frank  left  for  Dallas,  Texas. 

1895 

1000  hides  were  being  tanned  in  January.  On  Jan.  7,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Frank 
Adams  celebrated  their  golden  wedding.  Geo.  Deymann  got  the  contract  for 
600,000  brick  for  the  college  (new  wing  and  chapel).  A  Catholic  Union  Club  was 
founded  by  a  number  of  young  men;  they  rented  the  third  story  in  Thompson's 
store.  In  Feb.  1895  old  Engelbert  Mueller  died.  In  March  1895,  Brother  Julius 
Schmaenk,  O.  F.  M.,  passed  away. 

1896 

In  April  1896,  repi'esentatives  of  St.  Francis  and  Teutopolis  Townships  ob- 
tained an  injunction  against  the  American  Bell  Telephone  Company  which  had 
already  set  its  posts  between  Vandalia  and  Terre  Haute,  above  territory  excepted, 
to  compel  said  Company  to  compensate  the  respective  owners  for  the  right  of  way, 
to  remove  the  posts  already  set  in  the  middle  of  the  National  Road,  and  to  estab- 
lish a  telephone  exchange  in  Teutopolis  by  May  1,  1896.  Said  Company  then  paid 
$100.00  to  Teutopolis  and  $160.00  to  St.  Francis  Township,  removed  the  poles  to 
the  side  of  the  street  and  pledged  the  establishment  of  an  exchange.  On  May  Srd^ 
the  great  ^Monopoly  began  to  stretch  its  line  through  Teutopolis. 

1898 

THE  PRESS  was  started  in  April  1898,  in  the  building  now  occupied  by 
Weber  Bros.  After  moving  around  for  several  years  it  was  located  in  its  present 
home,  and  has  grown  to  one  of  the  largest  printeries  in  Southern  Illinois.  Up  to 
July  1,  1921,  it  was  owned  by  C.  A.  Worman;  on  that  date  it  was  Incorijorated 
and  the  stock  distributed  among  Teutopolis  and  Effingham  business  men.  Work 
comes  to  the   office  from  all  over  the  United   States,  and  many  foreign  countries. 

In  May,  Mr.  Frank  Schultz  enlisted  for  Spanish  War  (Co.  L.  I.  Reg.  Missouri 
Vol.)  and  was  sent  to  Chicamauga  Park,  prior  to  embarking  for  Cuba.  He  was 
mustered  out  in  November. 

In  this  year  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  J.  J.  Ryan  sold  St.  Joseph's  College  to  the 
Franciscan  Fathers,  who  changed  it  into  a  "Seraphic  College''  or  a  School  for  As- 
pirants to  the  Order.  In  September  John  Anheuser  was  killed  by  a  train  in  Okla- 
homa. In  ac,cordance  with  a  new  ordinance  of  Oct.  1st  and  3rd,  the  Village  Presi- 
dent must  furni.^h  bond  before  taking  charge  of  his  office.  The  sum  fixed  later 
on  was  $500.00.  Another  ordinance  created  a  company  of  volunteer  firemen  and 
provided  for  the  inspection  of  chimneys.  One  chief  engineer  and  two  assistant 
engineers  are  annually  to  be  appointed  by  the  village  council.  Teutopolis  now  re- 
ceived mail  three  times  daily.  In  Sept.  the  COUNTY  ATLAS  had  been  published. 
In  Nov.  the  Hy.  Weltz  COLLAR  FACTORY  moved  to  Effingham.— Wm.  Van  Oy 
was  appointed  Post  Master  of  Teutopolis. — In  October  1899  Mr.  Chas.  Eversman 
sold  out  his  ding  store.  In  November,  Mr.  Theo.  Wilke,  the  cooper,  died.  He 
had  built  the  old  brick  house  now  owned  by  Leo  Fuelle,  had  conducted  a  store,  pack- 
ing house  and  cooperage  for  a  number  of  years. 


—  54  — 


CHAPTER  V 


THE    CHRONICLE    CONTINUED.— A.    D.    1900— MAY    20,    1926. 

In  Januai-y  the  TEUTOPOLIS  PRESS  edited  a  46  page  revised  edition  of  or- 
dinances in  forc.e  at  Teutopolis  beginning  with  January  1,  1900.  Mr.  Clement 
Brumleve,  one  of  the  pioneers,  departed  this  life  on  March  8th.  Born  at  Langerich, 
Hanover,  on  May  31,  1817,  he  came  to  Cincinnati  at  an  early  date,  married  Miss 
Frances  Grove,  and  soon  after  left  with  others  for  Teutopolis.  Here  he  conducted 
a  furniture  business.  His  wife  preceded  him  in  death  in  1892.  The  Rev.  Aug. 
Brumleve.  of  Red  Bud,  111.,  officiated  at  the  funeral.  In  March,  J.  H.  Thoele  died 
suddenly  of  hemorrhage  in  his  store.  About  this  time  also  H.  H.  Huslage,  the 
carpenter,  passed  away.  He  had  come  from  Germany  in  1860.  Mr.  Herman  Stum- 
horg,  afflicted  with  blindness  for  2.5  years,  died  in  May  after  patiently  bearing 
]iis  cross.     The  street  lamps  were  equipped  with  WelLsbach  burners.     For  the  first 


TEUTOPOLIS   CREAMERY 


time  in  the  history  of  the  County,  the  quarterly  "Institute  Day''  was  held  at  Teu- 
topolis, Mr.  Chas.  Combs  and  about  40  teachers  attending.  In  his  address  of  wel- 
come Mr.  L.  Rieg  dwelled  on  the  meaning  of  educ,ation.  After  a  number  of  valu- 
able papers  had  been  read,  visits  were  made  to  the  College,  where  they  were  shown 
around  by  Rev.  P.  Christopher  and  treated  to  a  fine  program  by  the  orchestra 
xmder  the  direction  of  Rev.  Valerius.  Afterwards  the  gentlemen  visited  the  monas- 
tery and  the  ladies,  the  Sisters'  Convent.  On  May  12,  Mr.  Francis  Schleper,  anoth- 
er pioneer,  went  to  his  eternal  reward.  He  was  a  native  of  Oldenburg,  wkere  he 
was  born  Nov.  18,  1817.  In  1835  he  became  a  sailor  and  made  a  trip  around  the 
world  in  a  sailing  vessel.     In  1844  he  settled  at  Teutopolis,  worked  as  a  cari)enter 

—  55  — 


and  later  on  tilled  his  farm  adjoining  the  College.  Of  his  union  with  Miss  Caro- 
line Niehaus  nine  children  were  born.  While  working  at  Vandalia,  he  once  walked 
nearly  40  miles  to  hear  Mass  on  Sunday  and  walked  back  in  time  cor  work  on 
Monday.  In  Aug.,  a  stock  company  drilled  for  gas  on  B.  Krone's  farm:  but  with- 
out result.  Post  Master  Van  Oy,  who  had  been  removed  from  office,  died  in  a 
Springfield  hospital.  MR.  DIETRICH  RIEMAN  died  Sept.  29th.  Bom  in  Garrel 
in  1829,  he  came  as  a  boy  to  America  and  resided  here  ever  since.  He  was  re- 
spected by  all.  On  Sept.  20,  at  8:50  P.  M.,  Adlai  E.  Stevenson,  Democratic,  can- 
didate for  the  Vice  Presidency  of  U.  S.,  spoke  from  the  rear  platform  of  a  rail- 
road car.  In  September  Mr.  John  Vormor  opened  his  photographic  studio  The 
death  of  seven  year  old  John  Ahlers  at  Green  Creek  of  hydrophobia  caused  a 
scare  and  an  ordinance  was  passed  that  all  dogs  must  be  muzzled  after  Nov.  14th, 
or  they  would  be  shot.  When  the  constable  killed  a  dog  of  Albert  Willman  upon 
orders  of  Dr.  F.  N.  Hoffman,  president  of  the  Village  Board,  a  law  suit  ensued 
which  was  protracted  and  proved  expensive,  the  village  losing.  Eccentric  old 
Mrs.  Lein,  aged  86  years,  died  in  November.  The  census  gave  the  popula- 
tion of  Teutopolis  as  485;  including  college  and  monastery,  it  amounted  to  about 
710  according  to  a  private  census  of  the  "T.  PRESS."  Finding  that  the  Charter 
of  the  Teutopolis  Home  Farmers'  Mutual  Insurance  Company  does  not  allow  to 
insure  all  the  property  heretofore  insured,  the  Company  was  reorganized  and  the 
matter  straightened  out.  On  June  8th  was  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the  wedding 
of  B.  Pruemmer  and  wife.  His  first  wife  died  of  cholera  (?).  On  June  20,  1901, 
hail  and  lightning  did  great  damage  at  Teutopolis  especially  to  the  roof  of  C 
Pundsack,  and  H.  H.  Hardiek's.  The  latter  had  three  steers  killed  by  lightning. 
In  spring.  Dr.  Hoffman  established  his  telephone  lines  between  Teutopolis,  Mont- 
rose, Jewett,  Greenup,  Ebbert,  Gila,  Wheeler,  Dieterich,  Island  Grove,  Elliottstown, 
Effingham,  Sigel  and  many  farms.  In  fall  a  pay  station  was  established  at  Teu- 
topolis. Mrs.  Elizabeth  Overbeck,  an  old  pioneer  and  lieutenant  to  Mrs.  Ada 
Kepley  regarding  prohibition,  passed  away.  She  has  been  canonized  by  Mrs.  Ada 
Kepley  as  "Saint  Elizabeth  of  Teutopolis.''  About  Aug.  1901,  the  Bell  Telephone 
Company  strung  four  more  wires  and  when  the  village  demanded  that  the  shade 
trees  be  spared,  the  company  moved  the  poles  a  block  north.  The  Star  Creameiy 
of  Teutopolis  was  opened  on  Aug.  19th.  Mr.  H.  Krog  of  Elgin,  accepted  the  job 
of  butter  maker.  In  September,  96,772  lbs.  of  milk  were  used  and  4,500  lbs.  of 
butter  were  churned.  The  price  paid  for  the  latter  was  $913.00.  In  Sept.  the  fire- 
men donned  their  new  unifoiTns  consisting  of  a  dark  blue  shirt  with  white  felt 
fringe,  a  cap  and  a  leather  belt. 

Among  the  pioneers  still  among  the  living  at  the  time  of  the  Golden  Jubilee 
of  the  present  churcji  edifice  celebrated  in  January,  1902,  we  may  mention:  Hy. 
Stallings,  Joseph  Stallings,  (Effingham),  Joseph  Horn,  Ferd.  Nacke,  J.  Herbo'h, 
Barney  and  Wm.  Uthell,  Mrs.  Mary  (Uptmor)  Pruemmer  at  Santa  Barbara,  Cal., 
and  Mrs.  Ph.  Schniederjan  at  Hanover,  Kansas,  etc.  Despite  the  great  privations 
of  early  days,  it  is  surprising  how  many  of  these  sturdy  pioneers  attained  the 
Biblical  age  of  four  score  years  or  more.  Another  fact  they  deserve  credit  for, 
is  the  large  number  of  children  so  many  of  them  raised.  Of  their  industry  and 
thrift  the  fine  homies  and  comfortable  barns,  etc,.,  bear  witness. — In  the  beginning  of 
August,  a  stock  company  began  to  drill  for  gas  or  oil  at  the  Krone  farm.  The 
company  was  disolved  in  May  1901,  their  efforts  having  proved  futile  to  locate  oil. 

In  January,  the  Vandalia  R.  R.  installed  two  elecfric  bells  at  the  crossing  east 
and  west  of  the  depot.  On  April  29th,  Mr.  McManus  of  the  Hastings  Co.,  Chicago, 
111.,  had  begun  to  organize  the  Star  Creamery  Stock  Company  at  Teutopolis.  The 
capital  is  to  be  $4,300.00;  the  shares  being  at  $100.00.  Dr.  Hoffman  established 
telephone   lines   between   Teutopolis   and   all   neighboring   towns   this    summer,   the 

—  56  — 


erection  of  which  had  cost  $4,800.00.  The  creamery,  after  tedious  delays,  caused 
by  lack  of  sufficient  water  supply,  was  opened  on  August  19th  with  Mr.  H.  Krog,  of 
Elgin,  as  butter-maker.  It  was  fairly  successful  as  long  as  it  lasted.  On  October  2, 
an  auto  was  seen  here,  perhaps  for  the  first  time. 

The  Teutopolis  Base  Ball  Association  (T.  B.  A.)  rented  for  five  years  the  land 
two  blocks  south  of  H.  H.  Hardiek,  which  belongs  to  Mr.  N.  StefFen,  to  turn  it 
into  a  base  ball  park.  On  April  29th,  occurred  the  fiftieth  anniversary  of  the 
wedding  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Barney  Pruemer.  Fr.  Zoegel  had  blessed  their  union 
in  the  old  church.     It  was  his  second  marriage. 

1902 

In  May,  the  village  board  combined  the  offices  of  police,  constable  and  road 
commissioner  and  granted  him  a  salary  of  $32.50  per  month.  A  board  of  health, 
consisting  of  Messrs.  Fred  Quatman  and  B.  G.  Habing,  was  also  appointed  with 
instructions  to  add  a  competent  doctor  to  their  committee.     After  a  dance,  an  epi- 


KEV.   JOS.    KUENSTER 


REV.    B.   BARTELS 


demic  of  small  pox  broke  out  and  schools,  church  and  stores  had  to  close  for  weeks. 
Great  loss  of  business  was  the  result. 

In  July,  Siemer  and  Uptmor  established  a  cooper-shop  near  their  niiU.  Irt 
October,  the  Mc  Cann  Telephone  Company  put  up  its  poles.  A  milk  condensery 
plant  was  put  up  at  Effingham  at  this  time.  In  November,  Mr.  James  Mos.s  fell 
dead  after  an  altercation  in  Bachman's  barber-shop.  He  was  subject  to  heart 
trouble. — About  December  Mr.  Chas.  Eversman  sought  to  establish  a  business-men  <> 
club;  the  attempt  proved  abortive,  only  five  attended. 


1903 

In  January,  Mr.  A.  M.  Poeppelmeyer  became  sole  proprietor  of  the  furniture 
factory  and  sold  the  undertaking  establishment  to  Mr.  B.  G.  Habing.     For  months 

—  57  — 


there  v/as  much  talk  about  an  electric  railroad  from  Terre  Haute  to  St.  Louis. 
A  large  two-story  brick  addition  is  being  built  to  the  monastery  to  serve  as  the 
Novitiate.  A  petition  to  annex  the  eastern  part  of  the  village  was  approved  of 
by  the  village  beard  and  carried  in  the  election  by  a  majority  of  14  votes,  but 
was  declared  illegal,  because  of  a  technicality.  On  June  16th,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Eg- 
germann,  nee  Hcelscher,  then  Mrs.  Thoele,  Kroeger,  died  at  the  age  of  77  years. 
She  was  ever  ready  to  assist  in  religious  work.  On  Ssptemher  20th,  another  pion- 
eer was  assembled  with  his  fathers,  Mr.  Ferdinand  Nacke,  a  native  of  Paderbovn 
in  Germany.     He  reached  the  age  of  four  score  and  four  years. 

On  January  21st,  another  pioneer,  Mr.  Joseph  Horn,  a  tailor  by  trade,  which 
later  he  exchanged  with  that  of  a  plasterer  and  bricklayer,  gave  back  his  soul 
to  his  Creator  at  the  age  of  86  years.  At  the  age  of  18,  he  came  to  Cincinnati, 
thence  to  Teutopolis.  Once,  when  he  attended  the  session  of  court  at  Ewington, 
Abe  Lincoln,  then  a  struggling  lawyer,  tore  his  long  coat  tai]  and  Mr.  Horn  patched 
it  for  the  future  Emancipator  of  the  negroes.  Mr.  Lmccln  once  stopped  at  Jacob 
FuUe's  tavern  and  also  spend  about  three  weeks  at  Radley's  two  miles  east  of 
Tev-topclis,  and  even  offered  to  split  rails  with  the  boys.  Thus  Mrs.  Eliz.  Overbeck, 
who  v\"as  then  working  at  Radley's.  In  February  the  carpenters  put  up  the  block 
tower  for  the  Vandalia  R.  R.  The  block  system  will  be  introduced  to  prevent  acci- 
dents. Every  six  miles  a  tower  is  being  erected.  In  April  Demccratic  Teutopolis 
awoke  and  rubbed  its  eyes  finding  that  two  Republicans  had  been  elected  village 
trustees.  They  were  Messrs.  Joseph  Siemer  and  Hy.  Brumlve.  There  were  26 
straight  Republican  votes,  whereas  there  had  been  only  six  in  1896.  About  the 
middle  of  June.  Dr.  Hoffman's  barn  was  struck  by  lightning  and  destroyed.  On 
July  2,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Jacob  Meyer  celebrated  their  golden  wedding.  Mr.  Meyer 
was  a  tailor  by  trade  and  had  formerly  worked  in  Waschefort's  store.  Later  on 
he  engaged  in  farming.  In  September,  Geo.  Bergfeld  answered  the  last  summons. 
He  had  served  three  years  in  the  Spanish  War  and  had  seen  service  in  Porto  Rico 
and  in  the  Philippine  Lslands. 

1905 

In  January  "Uncle  George,"  or  Gerard  Runde,  aged  74,  followed  him  to  the 
grave.  He  had  repeatedly  served  as  substitute  for  drafted  men  during  the  Civil 
War  In  February,  "Prof.  Braun",  "the  natural  healer,"  who  had  quite  a  few 
customers,  resolved  to  settle  here  and  succeeded  in  separating  many  from  their 
Iccse  coin.  In  April  Rev.  Casimir  and  a  number  of  prominent  citizens  petitioned 
the  Village  Board  for  a  Curfew  Ordinance  to  keep  children  under  16  years  off 
the  streets  after  dark.  It  was  soon  after  passed.  About  this  time  Teutopolis 
sold  its  railroad  bonds  for  $1.02  per  $1.00.  The  face  value  of  the  bonds  was 
$1.5,000.00.  This  m.oney  was  later  divided  among  the  three  road  districts.  In  July 
the  old  brick  walks  in  the  ea.st  end  of  town  were  replaced  by  concrete  walks.  Mr. 
Linder  had  the  contract.  A  number  of  citizens  employed  his  services.  On  Sept. 
5th,  Mr.  Hy.  Wilke  succumhed  to  the  grim  reaper.  Born  in  1834,  he  came  to  Teu- 
topolis from  Cincinnati  in  1847.  On  the  23rd  of  September,  Mr.  Dieterich 
Buenker  followed  him  to  the  grave.  He  was  a  native  of  Germany  and  came  from 
the  city  on  the  Ohio  in  the  forties.  On  Nov.  26th,  Mr.  Hy.  Meyer  passed  to  his  re- 
ward. He  was  born  in  Germanp  in  1837  and  came  to  America  at  the  age  of  threa 
years. 

1906 

In  January,  the  Teutopolis  Press  speaks  of  the  village  as  follows:  "Teutopolis 
has   only  $500.00   saloon  license  and   has  never  had   any  village  tax  levied.     It  is 

—  58  — 


about  as  well  improved  as  any  village  of  its  size  in  the  state.  We  have  concrete 
and  brick  walks,  well  gravelled  streets,  about  twenty-five  street  lamps,  a  well 
equipped  fire  department,  a  fine  two  story  brick  village  hall,  sixteen  large  cisterns 
and  only  three  saloons." — In  February,  19  lots  of  the  late  Joseph  Weber  were  for 
sale. 

On  April  25,  1906,  there  went  to  his  eternal  reward,  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor, 
one  of  the  best  k^own  men  of  the  county  though  he  seldom  left  Teutopolis.  Born 
and  raised  in  this  village  as  the  first  child  born  in  TOWN,  it  is  claimed,  on  March— 
1840,  he,  after  finishing  his  schooling  aided  his  father  in  business,  was  for  many 
years  deputy  postmaster  and  after  some  years,  paitner  of  his  father  in  the  gro- 
cery and  dry  goods  store,  packing  house,  and  mill.  He  was  perhaps  the  wealthiest 
man  in  the  county,  owning  considerable  land,  stork  in  the  II!.   C.   R.   R.,  etc.     He 


OLD   GIRLS'   SCHOOL  AND   SISTERS'   R^ESIDENCE 


was  known  for  his  retentive  memory  of  faces  and  names,  his  sterling  honesty,  firm 
convictions,  and  set  ways  of  frugal  living,  strictly  minding  his  own  business  and 
resenting  interference  by  others,  and  an  indom.itable  will  power,  joined  with  defer- 
ence to  the  convictions  of  other  people.  He  kept  well  posted  on  topics  of  the  day, 
being  a  keen  observer  of  men  and  measures,  and  always  had  a  kind  smile  for  ev- 
ery one. — Though  sufc'ering  from  a  severe  cold,  he  attended  according  to  his  wont, 
daily  Holy  Mass  and  died  suddenly  while  the  family  had  gone  to  supper.  The 
funeral  was  largely  attended. —  On  April  30,  1868,  Mr.  Uptmor  III,  pledged  his 
troth  for  life  to  Miss  Bernardina  Sudkamp.  Of  the  eleven  children  only  five  sur- 
vived him. 

On  October  11,  old  John  Lein  died  at  the  age  of  89  years.     On  Dec.  7th,   Geo. 
Stallings  was  killed  in  the  railroad  yards  at  Terre  Haute. 

—  59  — 


1907 

• 

On  February  6th,  Mr.  B.  Dust  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord  at  the  age  of  84  years, 
Mr.  Joseph  Fuesting  lost  his  life  at  Woodbury  Big  Muddy  bridge  while  working 
on  the  railroad.  The  flagman  and  signal  bell  ordinance  for  dangerous  rail  road 
crossings  was  passed  by  the  village  trustees  on  Marcji  2nd.  In  June  the  progres- 
sive Weber  Bros,  installed  a  cash  register  in  their  store.  In  September  a  1000 
cubic  yard  of  crushed  rock  were  put  down  on  the  National  Road  between  here  and 
Effingham. 

1908 

In  April,  St.  Joseph's  College  installed  a  fine  organ  built  by  the  Wick  Bros. 
Organ  Company  of  Highland,  Illinois.  On  June  6th,  the  election  for  a  Township 
High  School  at  Effingham  was  held.  On  the  last  Sunday  in  June  the  new  Society 
Hall  at  Teutopolis  was  opened.  Grandma  Hattrup,  aged  73,  one  of  the  excellent 
pioneer  women,  breathed  her  last  on  June  24th.  In  June  the  old  Brick  walk  on 
the  north  side  of  Main  Street  was  replaced  by  concrete  walks  under  the  direction 
of  Mr.  NuxoU. 

1909 

About  Oct.  1,  1909  the  first  automobile  was  on  exhibition  here.  The  first 
owner  of  a  primitive  auto  was  Mr.  Samstag,  agent  for  Catholic,  newspapers.  Of 
permanent  citizens,  Dr.  Hoffman,  Joseph  Pudenz  and  Joseph  Stilleke  were  among 
the  first  to  own  an  automobile. 

1910 

On  June  4th,  1910,  the  sewer  ordinance  was  passed.  It  is  to  built  from  the  east 
line  of  Washington  Street  to  east  line  of  Garret  Street.  About  (September,  John 
Kliesner  was  killed  at  East  St.  Louis  by  a  train.  Uncle  Hy.  Stallings,  aged  89  years 
and  living  in  the  country  since  1825,  died  of  gangrene  at  St.  Anthony's  Hospital. 
Bom  at  Posey  County,  Ind.,  on  June  8,  1821,  he  came  with  his  parents  Benjamin 
and  Anna  Stallings  and  several  other  children  to  Tailor's  Point,  (southeast  of  Teuto- 
polis at  the  Hy.  Thoele  farm.)  Their  main  food  was  the  venison  and  wild  honey  for 
one  whole  year,  as  the  grain  was  destroyed  by  deer,  wild  turkeys,  squirrels  and 
prairie  chickens.  Being  a  squatter,  Benjamin  sold  out  his  claim  and  moved  on.  Hy. 
afterwards  lived  where  Schoenhoff  Bros,  conduct  their  restaurant.  After  laboring 
for  Mr.  Waschefort,  he  helped  to  build  the  Masquelet  Church,  learning  the  carpen- 
ter's and  blacksmith  trades.  He  was  also  much  in  demand  at  country  dances  being 
a  good  performer  on  the  violin.  In  1846  he  married  Louise  Masquelet.  After  her 
death  in  1869  he  married  in  1871  Miss  Crescentia  Hipp.  Henry  was  a  convert  to  the 
Catholic  faith  and  made  his  first  Communion  on  the  same  day  as  his  son  Henry. 
Henry's  son  Joseph  still  resides  at  Effingham,  The  Vandalia  Railroad  put  part  of 
the  new  double  track  into  service  about  the  end  of  September.  The  New  Salt  Creek 
concrete  bridge  will  soon  be  ready  for  use.  In  December  the  village  board  passed 
the  Speed  Limit  Ordinance,  restricting  the  speed  of  trains  to  10  miles  within  the 
corporation  limits.  The  reason  for  this  was  the  unsatisfactory  train  service,  es- 
pecially for  returning  from  the  west  and  the  failure  of  the  railroad  to  keep  its 
promises.  To  the  present  day  no  safe  and  convenient  freight  yards  have  been  es- 
tablished by  the  Van  R.  R.  During  the  Christmas  season,  57  children  made  their 
first  Communion. 

1911 

On  February  4,  the  WOMEN  SEWING  CLUB  gave  a  Euchre  Party.  In  March, 
Hy.  Barlage  departed  to  his  eternal  home.  He  was  a  native  of  the  Fatherland  and  in 

—  60  — 


1846  came  directly  to  Teutopolis.  On  June  20,  1911  Teutopolis  suffered  another 
great  loss  in  the  death  of  the  energetic  and  successful  businessman  Mr.  H.  H.  Har- 
diek.  He  was  born  in  Hanover  in  May  1842.  At  the  age  of  nineteen  he  came  to 
Teutopolis.  In  1865  he  married  Miss  Buenker.  Thirteen  children  were  born  of  this 
union..  At  first  Mr.  Hardiek  farmed;  then  he  took  up  business;  Groceries,  dry  goods, 
grain  and  cattle  buying.  His  partner  was  for  a  time  Mr.  Clement  Uptmor  IV.  Mr. 
Hardiek  in  1£04  sold  his  store  and  aided  in  founding  the  Teutopolis  Bank.  He  be- 
came it's  first  cashier.  He  was  a  public  spirited  man  and  a  good  Catholic,  the  soul 
of  honesty. 

Dec.  31,  1911  Mr.  Joseph  Deters  died  at  the  age  of  80  years.  On  January  5, 
i912  Dr.  Joseph  Brumlsve  answered  the  final  summons  after  suffering  from  an 
incurable  illness  of  or.e  year.  He  had  practised  medicine  here  for  about  38-39  years. 
A  native  of  Teutopolis,  son  of  Clement  and  Frances  (Grove)  Brumleve,  he  received 
his  elementary   and  collgiate   education   in  Teutopolis,   and  in   1872  he  received  his 


OLD  BOYS'   SCHOOL— (East  of  Church— Razed) 


doctor's  diploma  at  Cincinnati,  in  the  Ohio  Medical  College.  For  one  year  he  was 
the  partner  of  Dr.  Willien  at  Effingham.  Since  1873,  he  was  established  at  Teuto- 
polis. Some  year's  ago,  his  son  Lawrence  formed  a  partnership  with  his  father. 
About  five  years  ago  the  deceased  retired  from  active  practice.  Thirty-five  years 
ago  he  was  married  to  Miss  Christine  ISchumacher.  They  were  blessed  with  eight 
children.  Rev.  A.  Brumleve  and  other  brothers  and  a  sister  survive  him.  A  large 
concourse  of  people  paid  their  last  respect  to  the  deceased.  Hardly  had  the  grave 
been  closed,  when  the  son  Dr.  Lawrence  followed  his  father  to  the  eternity  after  a 
brief  illness.  He  was  coroner,  township  supervisor  and  village  clerk  at  his  demise. 
His  was  a  large  practice.  He  also  conducted  a  drugstore.  Dr.  Lawrence  Brumleve 
was  a  student  at  St.  Joseph's  College  and  graduated  in  1901  from  the  College  of 

—  61  — 


Physicians  and  Surgeons  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.  In  1904,  he  was  united  in  marriage 
to  Catherine  Siemer.  Mr.  Barney  Niemeyer  died  April  5th.  He  had  been  in  the 
saloon  and  butcher  business  24  years.  His  age  was  59  years.  In  April,  Hy.  Juei-- 
gens  committed  suicide.  In  the  same  month  Frank  Brumleve  undertook  the  erec- 
tion of  the  new  bank  building.  No  contract  was  let.  Henceforth  'THE  FEDERA- 
TION OF  GERMAN  CATHOLIC  Societies"  will  be  named"  THE  CATHOLIC 
UNION  OF  ILLINOIS." 

1912 

The  petition  for  annexation  of  the  east  end  of  the  village  was  presented  and 
approved  on  March  2nd,  1912  and  was  submitted  to  the  voters  at  the  regular  vil- 
lage election,  April   16,   1912. 

THE   CAROLINE   EVERSMAN   ANNEX    TO   THE   VELLAGE    OF   TEUTOPOLIS 

STATE  OF  ILLINOIS, 

Effingham   County,  ss. 

This  is  to  certify  that  I,  Geo.  T.  Austin,  County  Surveyor  in  and  for  the  County 
of  Effingham  in  the  State  aforesaid  did  at  the  request  of  the  president  and  board 
of  Trustees  of  the  Village  of  Teutopolis,  survey  out  a  parcel  of  land  for  the  pur- 
pose of  annexing  the  same  to  said  Village  of  Teutopolis.  The  lands  described  to 
be  annexed  are  as  fellows,  to  wit:  All  of  Waschefort's  Subdivision  of  part  of  the 
southeast  quarter  of  the  South  east  quarter  of  Section  thirteen  (13)  Town  8  North 
Range  6  East  of  the  3d  P.  M.  and  the  South  west  quarter  of  the  South  west  quarter 
of  Section  eighteen  (18)  Town  8  North  Range  6  East  3d  P.  M.  Also  a  strip  of 
ground  commencing  at  the  North  West  corner  of  Block  Two  (2)  of  the  said  Wasche- 
fort's Subdiv.,  thence  in  a  southwesterly  direction  in  a  parallel  line  with  the  north 
Boundary  line  of  the  National  Road  679  feet  2  inches  to  where  this  line  intersects 
with  the  East  boundary  line  of  Lot  3  of  Caroline  Eversman's  Add'n  "A''  to  the 
Village  of  Teutopolis,  thence  south  sixteen  (16)  feet  to  tlie  line  lot  1  said  Caroline 
Eversman's  Add  "A."  Thence  Northeasterly  along  the  North  line  of  Lot  one 
and  two  of  said  Caroline  Eversman's  Add'n  "A"  on?  1  -indrad  twenty  three  (123) 
feet  to  the  northeast  corner  of  said  lot  two  (2)  said  Add'n  "A".  Thence  south- 
easterly along  the  east  line  of  said  let  Two  (2)  one  hundred  thirty-five  (135)  feet 
to  the  section  line  between  Section  13  and  24.  Town  8  N.— Range  6  E  3d  P.  M. 
Thence  East  along  the  section  I'ne  Seven  hundred  fifty  seven  (757)  feet  to  the 
southwest  corner  of  Block  number  Three  (3)  of  said  Wa.schefort  Subdiv.  And 
the  above  is  a  correct  plat  of  same  as  is  embodied  in  the  petition  and  ordinance 
for  the  same   annexation. 

Dated  this  11th  day  of  July  A.  D.  1912. 

GEO.  T.  AUSTIN,  County  Surveyor. 

STATE  OF  ILLINOIS,  Effingham  County,  ss.  Office  of  the  President  of  the  Vil- 
lage of  Teutopolis:  I,  J.  H.  J.  Buenker,  president  of  the  village  of  Teutopolis,  do 
hereby  certify  that  the  above  plat  is  an  accurate  map  of  the  territory  added  to 
said  Village  by  ordinance  No.  94,  entitled  "ordinance  annexing  territory,"  passed 
July  6th,  A.  D.  1912  and  approved  July  6th,  A.  D.  1912. 

In  witness  whereof  I  hereunto  8et  my  hand  this  15th  day  of  July,  A.  D.  1912. 

J.  H.  J.  BUENKER,  Village  President. 

1913 

On  Sunday,  July  20,  1913,  there  passed  away  Mr.  Chas.  Eversman,  undovbtediy 
the  most  unique  and  eminent  character  Teutopolis  has  so  far  produced.  Being  a 
popular  stump-speaker  and  very  active  in  politics,  he  was  repeatedly  honored  with 
office  and  chairmanship  in  the  Democratic  County  organization.  His  fame  rests 
chiefly  on  his  Sketch  of  TEUTOPOLIS  AND  ITS  INSTITUTIONS  in  the  "HISTORY 

—  62  — 


OF  EFFINGHAM  COUNTY"  and  still  more  on  his  "MEMOIRS"  collected  with  in- 
finite patience  during  a  life  time  from  old  settlers,  documents  and  personal  re- 
miniscences. Though  showing  occasional  bias  our  own  researches  have  proved 
them  to  be  reliable  and  in  "GLIMPSES  OF  PIONEER  LIFE,"  we  have  quoted  free- 
ly therefrom. 

Chas  Evpicnv-in,  son  of  Doctor  F.  F.  Eversman,  was  born  at  Iburg,  Hannover, 
on  Aug.  31,  1843.  At  the  age  of  seven  months,  Charley  accompanied  the  family 
to  Baltimore,  IMd.,  thence  to  Cincinnati,  Ohio.  In  1852,  the  family  settled  at  Teu- 
topoKs.  After  finishing  the  gramm.ar  grades,  attending  St.  Joseph's  College  for 
one  year,  and  Notre  Dame  University,  Indiana,  Charles,  who  was  a  versatile  man, 
farmed  several  years,  taught  school  at  Teutopolis,  clerked  in  his  Father's  drug- 
store, bought  it  and  later  on  engaged  in  the  general  merchandise  business  until 
several  years  before  his  death.  Since  then  he  devoted  his  time  to  painting  and 
Catholic  K.  of  America  work.  On  Nov.  22,  1871,  he  was  united  in  marriage  to 
Miss  Catherine  Busse.  Of  the  four  childrer.,  Frank  is  manager  of  the  Gravenhorst 
store  at  Effingham,  Leo  is  dead,  Dorothy  is  now  Mrs.  Ben  Weber  and  Catherine 
is  at  home.  The  cause  of  Charley's  death  was  stomac,h  trouble.  Rev.  Fathei- 
Theodosius  officiated  at  the  solemn  obsequies,  which  were  attended  by  high  offi- 
cials of  the  C.  K.  of  A.,  and  by  many  fellow  citizens. 

1914 

On  June  1,  1914  the  upper  story  of  Gardewine's  residence  was  desti-oyed  by  fire. 
In  June,  Mr.  Ed.  Von  de  Castle  assumed  the  editorship  of  the  Teutopolis  Press. 
On  June  10,  there  passed  away  Mrs.  Wessel  nee  Deyman,  a  native  of  Klein  Stavern, 
an  vntiring  worker  in  any  good  cause,  who  took  pleasure  in  performing  innumerable 
acts  of  kindness  to  her  fellow  creatures.  Many  sudden  deaths  in  this  vicinity  during 
the  last  few  years.  On  Aug.  26th  1914,  Pope  Pius  X  died  of  a  broken  heart  at  the 
outbreak  of  the  World  War.  On  Sept.  1,  death  came  as  a  relief  to  Mr.  John  Fun- 
nemann.  one  of  the  greatest  benefactors  of  St.  Francis  church.  He  was  afflicted 
with  cancer  for  two  decades  of  years.  A  native  of  the  township,  he  was  twice 
married:  to  the  now  deceased  Miss  Gustava  Rietcheck  and,  32  years  ago,  to  Miss 
Minnie  Busse.  At  the  annual  meeting  in  1912,  the  Star  Creamery  Company,  after 
an  existance  of  12  years,  resolved  to  offer  the  plant  for  sale.  Mr.  J.  H.  Hardiek 
bcught  it  for  $570. CO  and  later  sold  the  machinery  to  outsiders.  It  is  a  great  pity 
that  Teutopolis  seems  unable  to  hold  any  factory  and  the  like  for  any  long  time. 
For  several  years  the  short  crops  and  other  creameries  had  cut  down  the  product  a 
little.  In  September  the  old  Eggermann  Building,  at  least  62  years  old,  was  torn 
down.  It  was  built  by  John  F.  Kroeger  who  conducted  in  it  a  store,  a  saloon  and 
an  inn  for  a  number  of  years.  The  stage  c(>ach  of  the  national  road  for  some  time 
put  up  at  this  place.  M?.ny  distinguished  men  of  the  day  turned  in  at  Kroeger's. 
Much  of  the  old  history  of  Teutopolis  centered  about  this  place.  It  is  a  pity  that 
such  famous  landmarks  are  not  reserved  for  their  historical  associations  if  needs 
be,  they  might  be  removed  to  the  rear  of  the  building  or  the  like.  The  older  they 
are,  the  more  valuable  as  historic  souvenirs.  By  October  15,  the  National  road  had 
been  "rocked,"  except  a  narrow  stretch  which  is  to  be  finished  by  subscription.  The 
funds  did  not  reach.  Uptmor's  Store  has  been  robbed  for  the  third  time  and  the- 
guilty  party  was  finally  apprehended  at  Effingham.  Mr.  Wm.  D.  Harrington  is 
the  new  editor  of  the  Teutopolis  Press."  At  the  end  of  October,  Dutchtown  school 
girls  win  two  out  of  three  prizes,  1st  and  3rd  prize  for  the  best  essay  on  some  his- 
toric question  in  the  42nd  senatorial  district.  On  Nov.  18  and  19,  1914,  Prof.  C.  C. 
Logan  of  the  U.  of  I.,  spoke  in  Teutopolis  in  Society  Hall  on  Soil  Culture.  The 
Mississippi  Valley  Investment  Company  has  bought  the  entire  $25000.00  stock  of 
C.  Uptmor  &  Son,  the  .'•ale  is  to  commence  on  Dec.  19  and  last  till  Dec.  24th. 

—  63  — 


'%\ 


'lJUU 

nan 


AM'  '■"--'•1 


1915 

In  Januarj^  Dr.  J.  R.  Raney,  dentist,  established  an  office  in  Teutopolis,  over 
the  Bank.  On  Febi-.  28  Mr.  James  H.  Zipf  in  Society  hall  gave  an  informal  talk 
on  the  nature  and  purpose  of  the  Gonzaga  Union.  Passion  Sunday,  by  Order  of 
Pope  Benedict  XV,  was  observed  as  a  day  of  prayer  for  peace.  The  day  was  one 
of  adoration  of  the  Most  Holy  Sacrament. 

1916 

On  Aug.  5,  1916,  the  Village  Board  granted  a  twenty  years  Franchise  to  the 
Eastern  Illinois  Utility  Company  of  Effingham  for  the  purpose  of  maintaining  and 
operating  an  electric  light  and  power  plant  in  and  through  Teutopolis.  The  gaso- 
line lights  now  in  use  will  be  replaced  by  thirty-three  incandescent  lights,  seven 
of  which  are  to  burn  ALL  night  EVERY  night  and  the  remainder  to  burn  until 
twelve  o'clock  every  night.  The  cost  to  the  village  will  be  $600.00  per  year  for 
the  thirt-three  lights,  this  amount  being  but  little  in  excess  of  the  cost  of  main- 
taining the  lights  now  in  use.  The  village  hall  is  to  be  lighted  free  of  charge 
and  one  light  to  be  kept  burning  in  front  of  the  same.  Mr.  Austin  is  now  ob- 
taining the  right-cf-way  for  the  line  between  Effingham  and  Teutopolis. 

The  Company  had  one  light  burning  on  Christmas  1916,  as  specified  per  con- 
tract. 

1917 

On  Good  Friday,  April  1,  1917,  our  country  was,  finally,  dragged  into  the  most 
calamitous  and  most  bloody  of  all  wars.  Now  there  was  no  more  question  of  cri- 
ticism; as  loyal  citizens  we  had  to  do  our  duty.  And  Teutopolis  was  no  .slacker 
town.  Before  long  there  were  18  boys  under  the  colors  and  the  number  increased 
to  70  before  the  war  was  over.  On  April  19th,  at  the  Communion  of  the  C.  K. 
of  A.,  Rev.  Theodosius,  the  pastor  and  the  son  of  a  Civil  War  Veteran  and  broth- 
er to  Major  Joseph  Plassmeyer,  U.  S.  A.,  preached  on  "Our  Allegiance  to  Civil 
Authority''  which  fact  was  reported  to  Washington,  D.  C,  and  gained  him  the 
good-will  of  the  U.  S.  Government.  As  in  those  days  the  venal  press  and  unprin- 
cipled speakers  questioned'  the  loyalty  of  every  one  of  German  blood  or  name, 
Teutopolitans  received  their  full  measure  of  distrust  and  misrepresentations. 
Hence  a  loyalty  nieeting  was  called  and  pastor  and  people  vied  in  making  it  a 
magnificent  success  to  the  surprise  of  several  guests,  who  had  not  expected  such 
a  spontar.eous  outburst  of  patriotic  feeling  on  the  part  of  the  "slow  Low  Germans.'' 
The  event  occurred  on  Sunday,  April  18th.  Teutopolis  was  profusely  decorated 
with  the  national  colors.  The  meeting  in  Society  Hall  was  presided  over  by  Mr. 
Joseph  Pudenz.  Speec.hes  were  delivered  by  the  Rev.  Pastor,  by  Father  Joseph 
]\Ieyer,  0.  F.  IM.,  of  the  College,  by  attorney  H.  S.  Parker  of  Effingham  and  by 
Mr.  Edward  Schneider,  of  Saline,  111.,  the  latter  representing  the  State  Council 
of  Defense.  All  made  patriotic,  and  inspiring  talks  to  the  vast  audience  that  packed 
the  hall.  An  overflow  meeting  had  to  be  held  in  the  yard,  at  which  Mr.  H.  J. 
Weber  presided.  Judge  W.  B.  Wright,  Hon.  M.  S.  Le  Crone,  Dr.  Burkhardt  of 
Effingham  and  Father  Joseph,  O.  F.  M.,  addressed  the  assembled  crowd.  The  Rev. 
Pastor  Theodosius  then  blessed  the  "Service  P'lag"  consisting  of  18  stars — one  be- 
ing a  gold  star — representing  the  number  of  our  boys  in  the  army  and  navy. 
The  college  orchestra  and  St.  Francis  Church  choir  provided  the  musical  part  of 
the  program.  At  the  close,  two  sailor  boys,  Hy.  Wessel  and  Al  Wente,  the  latter 
of  Lillyville,  and  on  furlough,  hoisted  OLD  GLORY  to  the  top  of  the  flag  staff  in 
front  of  the  hall.  Thus  ended  the  .splendid  patriotic  demonstration,  which  will 
remain  deeply  engraven  in  the  memories  of  all  who  were  privileged  to  witness  it. 

—  6.5  — 


PRO  DEO  ET  PATRIA 

Our  ycung  men  in  the  Service  of  our  Country  in  the  World  War: 


Adams,  Albeit 

*  Adams,    Hubert 

Adams,  Leo 

Adams,  Louis 

Althoff,  Ben 

Bertram,  Frank 

Bourgeois,  Leo 

Borries,  Edward 

Brunk,  Brother  Pacific,  0.  F.  M. 

Brey,  Joseph 

Broeringsmeyer,  Anthony 

Brumleve,  August 

Brumleve,  Ralph 

Brumleve,  Sylvester 

Brev»-er,  Allen 

Buenker,  John 

*Buenker,   Edward 

Burford,  Lawrence 

Busse,  Edward 

*Delker,  Ferd. 

Esker,  Alphonse 

Esker,  Harry 

Eggerman,  Albert  (Chicago) 

Funnemann,  Edward 

Gardewine,  Ferd.,  Corp. 

Graser,  Mike 

Hawickhorst,  John 

Hess,  Joseph 

Hess,  Clement 

Heitmann,  Bro.  Giles,  O.  F.  M. 

Hoedebecke,  Fred.,  Corp. 

Jurgens,  Frank 

*Jurgens,  Harry  B. 

Kahtz,  Louis 

Kahtz,  Wm. 

Kliesner,  Edward 

Renter,  Bernard 

Renter,  Wm. 

Remme,  Allie 


Rnabe,  Louis 

Lau,  Theodore 

'■'Meyers,  Alfred 

Marek,  Bro.   Martin,   O.  F.  M. 

Niehaus,  Ewald 

Niendiek,  Lawrence 

Poeppelmeyer,  Edward 

Poeppelmeyer,   Ferd. 

Probst.   John   H. 

Pniemer,   Edward 

Fruemer,  Hy.  B. 

Reuter,  Frank 

Ruesken,  Anton 

Runde,  Herman 

Schoenhcff,  Joseph 

Schoenhoff,   Ferd. 

Schoenhoff,  Leo 

Schoenhoff,  Albert 

Schlanser,  Ferd. 

Schmidt,  Aloys 

Schleper,   Clement 

Schlaper,  Frank 

Stumborg,  Edwaid 

Thoele,  Allie 

Thoele,  Aloys 

Thoele,  Lawrence 

Thoele,  Wm.,  Sergeant 

Von  Oy,   Carl 

Weber,  Bernard 

Willenborg,  Edward 

Willenborg,  Lawrence 

Zerrusen,  Ferd. 

Rev.  Cyrinus  Schneider,  O.  F.  M. 

Chaplain 
Rev.    Isidore   Fosselman,   O.   F.  M. 

Chaplain 
— Cfr.  St.  Francis  Parish  Bulletin,  A.  D. 

1920. 


•  GOLD  STAR  LIST 

Hariy  B.  Jurgens  died  Oct.  4,  1918  at  f^t.  McHenry,  Md. 

Alfred  T.Ieyers,  died  Oct.  11,  1918  at  Winchester,  England. 

Hubert  Adams  died  Oct.  21,  1918  at  Camp  McClellan,  Anniston. 

Ferd  Delker  died  Nov.  10,  1918  at  Marcheville,  France. 

Edward  Buenker,  died  June  28,   1919  at   St.   Sulpice,  Gerondo,   France. 


—  6- 


'■!SPiSr---->-'''^"^^'''"  '  ^^"''■'■'  ■"■' 


On  September  30,  John  Stumborg  was  killed  in  an  automobile  accident.  In 
November  1917  the  $104,000.00  hard  road  bonds  for  Effingham  County  were  en- 
dorsed  by  the  bankers;  19.8  miles  of  the  old  National  Road  are  to  be  improved. 
Cost  $306,700.00;  of  this  sum  the  government  allotted  $202,700.00.  In  October  the 
local  schools  were  closed  to  prevent  the  spread  of  the  fiu. 

1918 

In  spring  our  boys  and  girls,  under  their  teachers,  joined  the  great  army  of 
the  children  all  over  the  Union,  who  are  engaged  in  garden  and  poultry  club  work. 
At  the  end  of  April  the  "Teutopolis  Press''  installed  a  new  Intertype  setting  ma- 
chine! In  May,  a  stranger  named  Meyer,  was  ar}-ested  for  expressing  pro-German 
views  at  Dieterich.  May  16th,  our  business  men  contributed  a  big  ad  in  the  Press 
for  the  benefit  of  the  Red   Cross. 

On  June  5,  1918,  all  those  who  became  twenty-one  years  of  age  had  to  register. 
The  Red  Cross  drive  in  Effingham  County  for  $1,500.00  came  to  a  close  May  27th; 
"the  county  has  gone  way  over  tlie  top."  All  German  alien  females  of  14  years 
and  over  and  not  naturalized  had  to  register  between  June  17 — 26th.  Registration 
was  made  by  affidavit  executed  in  triplicate  and  accompanied  by  f'^ur  unmounted 
photographs  of  the  registrar.t,  not  larger  than  3x3  inches  in  size  and  had  to  be 
of  the  shoulders  and  full  face  of  the  registrant  without  hat  or  head  covering.  Every 
registrant  was  also  required  to  register  her  finger-prints  and  points  of  both  ha:;ds. 

The  July  11th  issue  of  the  Teutopolis  Press  was  set  aside  for  the  benefit  of 
the  Island  Grove  parish,  who  recently  lost  their  church  by  fire.  During  this  year 
the  local  paper  published  many  interesting  letters  from  ojr  djugh  boys.  On  Oct. 
4th,  Private  Harry  B.  Jurgens  died  at  Ft.  McHenry,  Md. — In  the  second  week  of 
October  the  local  schools  weie  closed  to  prevent  the  spread  of  the  flu.  Hubert 
Adams  succumbed  to  pneumonia  at  Camp  McClellan,  Ala.,  in  October  1918. 

By  Oct.  31st;  the  epidemic  of  Spanish  Influenza  that  had  visited  this  section 
had  passed,  as  it  seemed.  The  various  War  Loans  were  generously  subscribed  for 
by  our  citizens.  On  Nov.  22,  Christ  Burford,  watchm.an  at  the  College  crossing, 
was  struck  by  a  westbound  fast  freight  train  and  breathed  his  last  in  consequence 
of  internal  injuries,  on  the  door  steps  of  St.  Anthony's  Hospital,  Effingham.  Rev. 
Fr.  Julian,  O.  F.  M.,  who  happened  to  be  near  to  the  scene  of  the  accident,  gave 
him  absolution.     :\Ir.  Aug.  Schultz,  Sr.,  passed  away  Nov.  26th. 

1919 

In  January  J.  W.  Helmbacher  was  killed  by  a  train  at  Spokane  and  interred 
here.  Messrs.  Ewald  Niehaus  and  Clement  Hess  v/ere  among  the  first  dough  boys  to 
return  home  in     January  1919. 

On  January  2,  two  d?.ring  robbers  covered  cashier  John  Thies  with  revolvers, 
locked  him  in  the  vault,  and  got  away  with  $4,050.00.  They  were  caught  at  Col- 
linsville,  111.,  and  lodged  in  the  Effingham  jail.  They  gave  their  names  as  Harry 
Beebe  and  Cleve  Bliss.     All  the  money  stolen  was  covered  by  insurance. 

On  March  10,  Mr.  and  Mrs.  John  Kroeger  died  of  the  flu,  leaving  several  small 
orphans.  Mrs.  Kroeger's  sister.  Miss  Lena  Probst  soon  followed  them  to  the  grave. 
A  very  sad  case.  On  July  7th,  representatives  of  the  Moritz  Construction  Com- 
pany arrived.  The  western  part  of  the  road,  beginning  at  Althoff's  and  Buenker's 
will  first  be  constructed  as  far  as  the  township  line.  The  Big  Snorter,  the  huge 
grading  macliine  .began  to  plow  Main  Street.  On  September  13,  slabbing  started 
at  Althoft"s.     On  Nov.  5th,  Grandma  Tolch  reached  the  83rd  mile-stone  of  her  life. 

—  69  — 


■'ir 


;■       ,f:. 

1^ 

,'^; -■■■^^'^'C'l'^'vv^^'' 

:9Hi* 

About  this  time,  the  government  inspector  ordered  the  concreting  stopped  on  ac- 
count of  the  inclement  weather.  On  Christmas  morning,  Mr.  Hy.  Kitten  was  killed 
by  colliding  with  a  passenger  train.  Mr.  Andrew  Schneider,  a  prominent  farmer, 
died  December  22,  aged  78  years. 

On  September  17,  1919,  the  local  monastery  and  College  had  the  honor  of  a 
visit  by  the  Most  Rev.  Seraphin  Cimino,  the  Minister  General  of  the  Franciscan 
Order. 

1920 

About  44000  bodies  of  Ame)-ican  soldiers  are  to  be  brought  back  from  France. 

Diederich  Overbeck  and  wife,  nee  Anna  Poetter,  celebrated  their  golden  wed- 
ding, May  18th. — Work  commenced  on  the  new  sewer  to  be  laid  from  Althoff's  hard- 
ware store  to  the  Renter  corner  west.  Hy.  Lau  is  the  contractor.  Mr.  Geo 
Austin,  did  the  surv^eying.  The  Census  gives  Teutopolis  Tp.  a  population  of  931; 
in  1900  it  had  926  inhabitants;  in  1910,-896  inhabitants.     The  body  of  Alferd  Meyers 


JOHN  FUNNEMAN  FAMILY 


arrived  June  5th.  He  was  baried  with  military  pomp.  Mr.  Hy.  Uptmor  passed 
away  at  the  age  of  80  years.  He  was  a  Civil  War  veteran  and  a  man  of  his  word. 
He  was  born  at  Teutopolis  in  May,  1840.  In  August,  the  "FRANCISCAN  HER- 
ALD", on  account  of  increase  in  subscriptions  and  for  better  mailing  facilities, 
moved  its  office  to  Chicago. — The  contractors  are  back  at  the  east  end  paving  work. 
They  will  move  the  machinery  to  the  switch  at  the  pumping  station.  The  west 
end  has  not  yet  been  opened  much  to  the  inconvenience  of  an  all  too  patient  public, 
who  were  seriously  inconvenienced  for  about  a  year.  By  the  middle  of  Septem- 
ber people  began  to  use  the  hard  road  to  Effingham.  On  Sept.  2,  the  Joseph  Zer- 
rusen  bam  was  destroyed  by  fire.  In  October  Rev.  Fabian  Rechtiene  celebrated 
his  golden  jubilee.     There  was  a  family  reunion. 

—  71  — 


6~«^^       :» 


r:^fi- 


1921 

On  February  28th,  Wm.  Pruemmer's  cattle  barn  was  completely  destroyed  by 
lire.  Cn  Se-t.  2,  1921,  Rt.  Rev.  An:andus  Bahlmann,  O.  F.  M.,  Bishop  of  Santarem, 
Braz'l,  was  here  on  a  visit.  On  October  6th,  Mrs.  Philomena  Schniederjan,  nee 
Vahling,  died  in  Kansas. 

About  April  2nd,  Mr.  F.  P.  Kenkel,  of  St.  Louis,  gave  an  inspiring  lecture  on 
the  nature  and  purpose  of  the  Central  Verein  and  called  attention  to  its  splendid 
work  for  relief  of  the  European  War  sufferers.  This  splendid  Society  was  found- 
ed in  1855.  The  first  radio  was  installed  at  Teutopolis  in  1921  by  Mr.  Joseph 
Pudenz. 

1922 

On  February  6th,  the  final  summons  cam.e  to  Mr.  J.  L.  Runde,  one  of  Teutopo- 
lis' successful  business  men  and  public  spirited  citizens.  He  was  a  tailor  by  trade 
and  opened  a  clothing  store  later  on.  He  was  a  fervent  Catholic  and  a  member 
of  th2  Third  Order  of  St.  Francis.— The  zealous  Rev.  S.  P.  Hoffman,  chaplain  of 
S!;.  Anthony's  Hospital  and  very  active  in  Catholic  Society  work,  died  suddenly  of 
heart  failure  in  the  beginning  of  1922.  , 

Schoenhoff  Broth ?rs  were  the  next  to  put  up  a  radio  in  1922.  In  March,  the 
T.  Creamery  Building,  which  had  been  used  to  store  away  cement  for  the  hard 
road,  was  sold  to  Mrs.  Steve  Bushur  of  Sigel.  It  will  be  used  as  a  workshop  and 
garage  by  Joseph  Wilke.  On  October  8th,  Rev.  Philip  Marke  lectured  on  his  trip 
to  Germany.  The  third  well  on  C.  Rieman's  farm  was  down  180  feet  and  seemed 
to  be  "a  gu.sher"  (?).  Miss  Carrie  Young,  well  known  at  Teutopolis  as  music 
teacher  and  organist,  who  acted  in  the  same  capacity  at  Loose  Creek,  Mo.,  passed 
to  a  better  life.     J.  Buehnerkempe  opened  a  drug  store  with  Pat  Sears  in  charge. 

1923 

On  October  9th,  Dr.  Fred  R.  Greene,  of  Chicago,  lectured  here  on  the  "Preven-; 
tion  of  Diseases,  especially  of  Typhoid."  At  the  end  of  November,  Rev.  Samuel 
Macke  celebrated  his  golden  religious  jubilee  at  Quincy  in  presence  of  Most  Rev. 
Archbishop  A.  Daeger,  O.  F.  M.On  Ascension  Day  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  A.  Schmuecker, 
O.  F.  M.,  of  North  Shantung,  China,  preached  at  the  Pontifical  High  Mass  cele- 
brated by  him,  on  the  "Life  and  Work  of  a  Missionary."  In  the  afternoon,  he  con- 
firme'd  a  class  at  Bishop  and  in  the  evening  gave  Sacramental  Benediction  to  the 
Delegates  of  the  Catholic  Union  of  Illinois  Convention  who  had  motored  over  from 
Effingham.  In  the  Society  Hall,  Mr.  Aug.  Brockland  gave  an  excellent  address: 
on  "Parochial  Schools."  On  June  24,  an  illustrated  lecture  on  Sweet  Clover  and. 
Soil  Improvement  was  given.  The  films  were  from  Washington,  D.  C.  On  July 
Grandma  Mrs.  Wm.  Tolc,h,  nee  Rebeccah  McElhiney,  passed  away  at  Leo  Fuelle's. 
at  the  age  of  81  years.  She  was  a  model  Christian  and  a  very  charitable  woman, 
ever  ready  to  say  a  kind  word  and  lend  a  helping  hand.  She  was  a  member  of  the 
Sigel  Lutheran  ChuJ'ch  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  the  Bush  Creek  Cemetery  beside 
her  husband. 

•  1924 

On  April  28,  1924,  a  branch  of  the  Cleaver  Glove  factory  was  started  with  a 
force  of  15  girls.     In  May,  1926,  it  employed  a  force  of  30  young  ladies. 

On  June  22-24th,  a  retreat  for  laymen  was  given  at  the  local  St.  Joseph's. 
Seminary.     It  was  attended  by  ten  men. 

—  73  — 


1925 

Rev.  Philip  Marke,  former  rector  of  the  local  college,  died  January  15  and 
was  interred  here.  Rev.  Roger  preached  a  touching  funeral  sermon.  On  April  2, 
Mr.  Edward  Schwarz  died  at  the  age  of  almost  91  years. 

On  February  26th  Joseph  Bussmann's  house  in  St.  Francis  Tp.  was  destroyed 
by   fire. 


THE  PRESENT  ST.  FRANCIS  CHURCH  AT  TEUTOPOLIS,  ILLINOIS 


In  July  a  very  successful  bazaar  was  held  at  Teutopolis.     About  midnight  on 
Aug.  18-19th,  Very  Rev.  Samuel  Macke,  0.  F.  M.,  former  rector  of  the  college  and 

Exprovincial,  went  to  his  eternal  reward.     On  Aug.  6th,  Mrs.  Hagensee  was 

killed  in  an  auto  accident  east  of  town.     On  December  21,  Schoenhoff's  barber-shop 
was  destroyed  by  fire  and  the  furniture  in  the  adjoining  Habing  store  considerably 

—  74  — 


damaged  by  smoke  and  water.  About  this  time  the  "Decatur  Herald"  brought  an 
article  on  Tony  Bergfeld.  It  was  headed:  "Bergfeld  does  not  Keep  Cattle;  the 
Cattle  Keep  Him." 

1926 

On  Sunday,  February  7th,  1926,  at  7:30  P.  M.,  Very  Rev.  Provincial  Martin 
Strub,  O.  F.  M.,  solemnly  blessed  the  organ  during  which  the  St.  Joseph's  College 
Choir,  under  the  direction  of  Rev.  Thomas  Rust,  O.  F.  M.,  .sang  T.  Hofmiller's 
"Laudate  Dominurn."     This  was  followed  by  the  Sacred  Concert. 

1.  PRELUDE  IN  G  J.  S.  Bach 

Mr.  Max  Hiendlmayr. 

2.  ZUR  ORGELWEIHE  ./.  Gruber 

St.  Francis  Parish  Choir. 

3.  ANDANTE  RELIGIOSO  H.  Smith 

Mr.  Chris.  Hausner. 

4.  AVE  MARIA J.  G.  Zangl 

St.  Francis  Parish  Choir. 

0.  a)    FESTIVAL   MARCH    V.   Goller 

b)   ANDANTE  FROM  PEER  GYNT  SUITE  E.  Grieg 

Rev.  Father  Thomas  Rust,  O  .F.  M. 

6.  SANCTUS— Gregorian   (vii   Mass)    Grad.  Rom. 

Friars  and  St.  Joseph  College  Choir. 

7.  THEME  AND  VARIATIONS   M.  Reger 

Mr.  Max  Hiendlmayr. 

8.  LOBET  DEN  HERRN  (Psalm  L50) M.  Koch 

St.  Joseph  College  Choir. 

9.  a)   ADAGIO  MOLTO   A-  Guilmant 

b)   ECHO   F.  De   La   Tombelle 

Mr.  Chris.  Hausner. 

10.  REGES  THARSIS   M.  Filke 

St.  Joseph  College  Choir. 

11.  FANTASIE  FINALE j.  RJieinberger 

Mr.  Max  Hiendlmayr. 

1.  a)   O  VICTIMA  CARITATIS  .- ./.  Dietrich 

b)  TANTUM  ERGO  p.  Griesbacher 

c)  BLESSED  BE  GOD  p.  Griesbacher 

St.  Joseph  College  Choir. 

2.  FESTIVAL  MARCH C.   Teilman 

Mr.  Chris.  Hausner. 

REV.  FR.  THOMAS   RUST,  O.   F.  M. 
Director  St.  Jo.seph   College   Choir,  Teutopolis,  Illinois. 

MR.  CHRIS.  HAUSNER 

Director  St.  Anthony's  Church  Choir,  St.  Louis,  Missouri. 

MR.  MAX.  HIENDLMAYR 

Director  St.   Mary's   Church  Choir,   Alton,   Illinois. 

MR.  C.  H.  WOERMANN 
Director  St.   Francis  Church  Choir,  Teutopolis,  Illinois. 

—  75  — 


Following  is  a  description  of  our  ORGAN,  in  rotation  from  left  to  right,  as 
shown  on  the  "Console.'' 


PEDAL 

Ft. 

Violone     16 

Subbass 16 

Lieblich    Gedeckt    16 

Octave    Bass    8 

Swell   to   Pedal   8 

Great  to  Pedal  8 

SWELL   ORGAN 

Ft. 

Bourdon     16 

Geigen  Principal  8 

Rohr  Floete  8 

Stopped  Diapason 8 

Quintadena  8 

Salicional    8 

Principal    4 

Flute  Harmonic  4 

Flageolet  2 

Oboe   Bassoon   8 

Vox  Humana  8 

SWELL   TO   TREMOLO 

Ft. 

Swell  to  Swell  16 

Swell  to  Swell  4 

And  four    piston    buttons   below    the 
upper  manual. 


GREAT   ORGAN 

Ft. 

Open    Diapason   8 

Doppel   Floete   B 

Gamba   8 

Melodia    8 

Dulciana    8 

Octave   4 

Flute    4 

Quint  2,  2-3 

Great  to  Great  4 

Swell  to  Great  16 

Swell  to  Great  8 

Swell  to  Great  4 

And   four    piston    buttons    below  the 
lower  manual. 

SANCTUARY  ORGAN 

Ft. 

Contra   Flute   16 

Violine    Diapason   8 

Clarabella   8 

Vox   Celeste   8 

Aeoline    8 

Flute    4 

Sanctuary  to   Tremolo 

Sanctuary  to  Swell  8 

Sanctuary  to  Great 8 

Pedal   to   Great  8 

Sanctuary  Console  off. 

Right   Hand    Combination    Setter. 


FOOT  STOPS 

Sanctuary,   Swell  and  Crescendo  or  Full  Organ. 

The  organ  is  operated  by  electric  current. 

It  has  1320  pipes,  300  being  in  the  Sanctuary  Organ. 


Mr.  Diederich  Overbeck,  aged  85  years,  went  to  his  eternal  reward  on 
March  24,  1926.  He  made  his  first  Communion  on  March  23,  1853,  at  the  first  service 
held  in  the  present  church.  Mrs.  William  Uthel,  nee  Wegman,  died  April  19th, 
at  the  age  of  70  years.     R.  L  P. 


Teutopolis  possesses  a  two  story  brick  village  hall  and  fire  engine  house  de- 
signed by  Chas.  Eversman,  who  also  superintended  its  construction  by  Contractor 
Hy.  Sanders,  Sr.  It  seems  to  have  been  built  about  the  end  of  the  eighties  or 
the  beginning  of  the  nineties. 

The  present  Board  of  Trustees  of  the  village  of  Teutopolis  consists  of: 

President — Mr.  J.  H.  J.  Buenker;   salary  $35.00  per  year. 

Clerk — Mr.  John  Niehaus,  salary  $45.00  per  year. 

Treasurer — Gus  Hattrup. 

—  76  — 


Trustees  (salary  $2.00,  if  they  attend  meeting)  are:  Messrs.  Leo  Hardiek, 
John  M.  Schultz,  Clement  Siemer,  Louis  Brumleve,  Ferd  Wernsing  and  Henry 
Wessel.  Mr.  Frank  Gardewine  acts  as  Police  Constable  and  Street  Commissioner 
and  is  paid  $50.00  per  month. 


FESTLIED 


Teutopolis  die  Deutche  Stadt 

Nach  der  Melodie  "O  Tannenbaum." 

(Written  by  Rev.   Francis  Albers,  O.  F.  M.,  for  the  Golden  Jubilee 
in  January  1902) 

1.  Teutopolis,    Teutopolis, 
Ein  frohes  Lied  erschalle. 
An  deinem  Jubeltag,  gewiss, 
Ein  Freudenfest  fuer  Alle. 

O  wende  heute  deinen  Blick, 
Auf  die  verflossnen  Jahr  zurueck! 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 
Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

2.  Von  Cincinnati  kamen  her. 
Die   alten  Pioniere 

John  Waschefort,  Uptmor  und  noch  mehr, 

Es  waren  ihrer  viere. 

Sie  waren  alle  brave  Leut, 

Nicht  reich,  doch  fleissig  und   gescheidt, 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

3.  Sie  kaufen  sich  dort  Land  und  Wald, 
Und  lassen  sic.h  da  nieder; 

Die  Baeume  werden  umgefaellf, 

Gar  muede  sind  die   Glieder. 

Man  pflanzt  nun  Kom,  Kartoffeln  auch, 

Nach  gutem,  alten  deutschen  Brauch. 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

4.  Sie  leben  nun  von  Korn  und  Speck, 
Kartoffelnpfannekuchen. 

Bald  steht  die  Windmuehl'  auch  zurecht, 
Nun  gibt's  auch  Weizenstuten. 
Fuer  Fleisch  nimmt  man's  Gewehr  zur  Hand, 
Und  schiesst  das  Wild  in  Busch  und  Land. 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 
Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 
—  77  — 


5.  Die  Woelfe  laufen  wiUl  herum, 
Ei'schvecken   Alt  und   Junge, 
Verderben  viel  am  Eigenthum, 
Audi   Schlang'  mit  gift'ger  Zunge. 
Doch   zogen  sie  gar  bald  von  dort, 
Es  war  fuer  sie  kein  sich'rer  Ort. 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

6.  Und   allgemach   ersteht  die   Stadt, 
Ein  Haus  zum  andern  kommet. 
Auch  frueh  man  eine  Sc.hule  hat, 
Was  sehr  der  Jugend  frommet; 
Sechs  Kinder  sind's  im  Anfang  nur, 
Doch  alles   gehet  nach  der   Schnur. 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

7.  Den  Wagen,   Pferd   und   Ochsen   ziehn, 
Beladen  mit  Getreide, 

Fern  geht  es  nach  St.  Louis  hin, 
Durch  Busch  und  Feld  and  Heide. 
Sie  stecken  oft  in  tiefem   Dreck, 
Und  kommen  langsam  nur  vom   Fleck. 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 
Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

8.  Jetzt  sind  es  g'rade  fuenfzig  Jahr, 
Dass  man  die  Kirch  gebauet 

Und  Vater  Kuenster  am  Altar^ 

Zum  ersten  Mai  geschauet. 

Da  herr.schte  allemeine  Freud, 

Und  darum  jubelt  man  auch  heuf 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

9.  Was  soil  ich  sagen  von  dem  KRIEG, 
Den  Yankees  unternahmen  ? 

Schon  dachten  sie  an  einen  Sieg, 

Doch  sie  vergebens  kamen. 

Sie  sahen  Pfeifen  an  fuer  Flint', 

D'rum  gehen  sie  zurueck  geschwind. 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

10.    In    '58   da   geschah's, 

Dass  Franziskus  Soehne, 
Hier  gruendeten  ein  Niederlass, 
Ein  Haus,  erst  klein,  nicht  schoen. 
Seitdem  sind  sie  noch  immer  hier, 
Und  wirken  eifrig  fuer  und  fuer. 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 
Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 
—  78  — 


11.  Ein   College  wurde   dann   gebaut, 
Die  Jugend  zu  erziehen, 

Auf  tuecht'ge  Bildiiig  ward  geschaut, 

Es  fing  bald  an  zu  bluehen. 

Und  Priester,  Lehrer,  andre  Staend', 

Hat  es  erzogen  excellent. 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

12.  Audi  eine  "GIRLS'  ACADEMY" 
Hat  hier  einmal  bestanden. 

Die  guten   Schwestern  fuehiten  sie, 

Jetzt  ist  sie  eingegangen. 

Doch  sind  die  Maedchen  so  auch  gut, 

Sie  naehen,  waschen,  kochen  gut. 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

13.  Die  Eisenbahn  geht  (lurch  das  Town 
Von  Westen  bis  na?h  Osten. 

An  alien  Ecken  kann  man  schau'n 

Die  Telegraphenpfosten. 

So   steht  das  Staedtchen  wuerdig  da, 

Bekannt  in  ganz  Amerika. 

Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 

Du  deutsche  Stadt  vor  alien! 

14.  Die  deutsche  Stadt  sie  lebe  hoch, 
Sie  wachs'  und  bluehe  weiter, 
Sie  stehe  viele  Jahre  noch, 
Gott  sei  ihr  treu'  Geleiter: 

Die  Maenner,  Frauen,  Kinder  all; 
Sie  ruf en  heut  mit  lautem   Schall : 
Teutopolis,  Teutopolis, 
Wir  V\'ollen  dich  stets  lieben. 


—  79  — 


o 

o 


u 

« 

H 
M 

o 
o 

M 

M 
H 


PART  II 


Historical  Sketch  of  St.  Peter's  Respectively 
St.  Francis  of  Assissi  Parish 


CHAPTER  I.— ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH 


St.  Peter's  In  Charge  of  the  Secular  Clergy 


REV.  FRANCIS  JOSEPH  MAURICE  MASQUELET 

Teutopolis  was  founded  for  the  express  purpose  of  securing  for  the  offspring 
of  the  pioneers  the  precious  gift  of  faith.  Rev.  Wm.  Pisbach  was  one  of  the  original 
members  and  the  Rev.  Bishop  J.  B.  Purcell  seems  to  have  been  much  interested  in 
the  project.  From  April  1839  when  the  first  seven  families  settled  till  Nov.  of  the 
same  year,  we  hear  nothing  of  a  priest  or  of  services.  The  nearest  priest  about 
this  time  probably  was  the  Rev.  P.  Czackert  at  Piquet's  Settlement.  But  we  are 
told  that  the  old  pioneers  had  to  fulfill  their  Easter  duty  at  St.  Louis  Mo.  Father 
Czackert  C.  Sr.  who  pastor  of  St.  Marie  or  Picquet's  Settlement  in  Jasper  county  is 
mentioned  in  the  Catholic  Directory  as  attending  Teutopolis  about  1840.  The  first 
baptisms  entered  at  Teutopolis  are  by  Rev.  Masquelet.  He  always  signs  merely 
Masquelet.  According  to  Mrs.  Schoenhoff,  a  relative,  hi=;  name  was  Francis  Mau- 
rice (a  nephew  was  named  thus  after  his  Rev.  Uncle.)  He  seems  to  have  signed 
Francis  Joseph  in  other  places.  The  first  child  he  baptized  at  Teutopolis  in 
Nov.  was:  Elizabeth  Boeckmann,  daughter  of  Joseph  and  Elizabeth  (Jansen)  Boeck- 
mann;  sponsors:  Hy  Uptmor  and  Eliz.  Tebbe.  The  child  was  bom  on  October  13, 
1839.  On  the  same  day  Father  ^lasquelet  also  baptized  Joseph  Vormor,  son  of 
Hy.  and  Agnes  Abodia  (Lott)  or  Loth  Vormor,  born  on  Oct.  24,  1839.  Mr.  Clement 
Uptmor  HI  is  said  to  have  been  the  first  child  born  in  the  \illage.  At  first,  the 
pa.stor  boarded  at  J.  Gannoway's:  For  the  old  account  book  of  Clement  Uptmor  I. 
shows  that  Masquelet's  board  was  paid  at  Oanoway's  in  Dec.  1839,  and  in  the  first 
months  of  1840.  As  some  settlers  had  come  prior  to  the  Teutopolis  settlers  and 
lived  near  by  at  Green  Creek  and  the  present  Effingham  who  also  wished  to  belong 
to  the  parish  and  in  a  number  of  cases  joined  the  "German  Land  Company"  and  paid 
the  ten  dollars  for  the  church.  The  increasing  congregation  enabled  Father  Mas- 
quelet to  build  a  log  church  while  meanwhile  he  conducted  divine  service  at  H.  H. 
Vormor's  who  for  a  year  or  two  lived  south  of  Gannoway's  it  seems.  One  dollar 
rent  was  allowed  them  instead  of  paying  board  for  the  priest.  But  WHERE  was  the 
first  log  church?  Though  we  not  do  claim  to  settle  the  question  definitely  owing 
to  positive  contradictory  assertions,  it  seems  from  Clement  Uptmor  IV.'S  FAMILY 
CHRONICLE  and  from  remarks  of  Chas.  Eversman'  and  Mrs.  Mary  Vahling  nee 
Vormor  as  well  as  from  Hy.  Uptmor  whom  I  questioned  about  1909  that  the  first 
church  was  in  town  and  not  near  the  Masquelet  home  (now  Mr.  John  Mueller's.) 
Mr.  Henry  Stallings  worked  first  for  Waschefort  and  afterwards  for  Fr.  Masquelet 
and  helped  the  latter  to  build  the  church.  Now  :Mr.  J.  F.  Waschefort  came  to  Teu- 
topolis in  March,  1840.     Moreover,  the  abstract  Miss  Clara  Worman  furnished  me 

—  81  — 


of  the  land  in  question,  shows  that  F.  M.  Masquelet  bought  it  fiom  Logans  in  June 
21,  1841.  Mr.  Hy.  Uptmor,  "the  soldier,"  informed  us  (Letter  in  a  answer  to  Qvies- 
tions  put  to  him  about  1908  or  1909).  "In  1840,  on  Feb.  26th,  Rev.  Pastor  Masquelet 
carrying  an  axe,  with  six  other  men  each  furnished  with  an  axe,  went  into  the 
woods  north  of  Teutopolis  in  order  to  cut  down  the  first  trees  for  the  first  log 
church."  On  May  3d  it  was  finished  sufficiently  to  allow  the  first  divine  sei-vice 
to  be  held  in  it  by  Rev.  Masquelet.  On  May  17,  Hy.  Uptmor,  the  soldier,  born  May 
6th,  was  baptized  in  the  church.  The  steeple  was  added  later.  The  bell  weighing 
more  than  700  pounds  (with  frame  900  lbs)  came  from  Cincinnati,  where  some 
members  had  been  coUcting  for  it.  It  cost  $230.00  and  the  freight  amounted  to 
$ .  Father  Masquelet  must  have  been  travelinji-  considerably.  At  any,  rate  what- 
ever the  reason,  the  Catholic  Directory  for  1840  mentions  Rev.  Father  F.  Czackert 
as  pastor  of  St.  IVTarie  and  attending  Teutopolis.  Rev  Masquelet  baptized  again  on 
Aug.    11,   1840   till  June    1841. 

The  last  entries  by  him  are  on  October  17  and  30,  1843.  Father  Masquelet  had 
some  trouble  with  the  people.  Mr.  Joseph  Habing  writes  us,  that  the  main  objec- 
tion against  Father  Masquelet  was  that  the  village  might  follow  the  church.   For 


1 


THE  MUELLER  HOUSE  WEST  OF  TEUTOPOLIS,  1896 


Father  Masquelet,  if  the  rumors  be  correct,  planned  a  town  near  his  church.  There 
must  have  been  other  reasons.  We  found  25  years  ago  a  German  letter,  written. 
in  excellent  penmanship  and  style,  but  without  date — probably  a  duplicate  addressed 
to  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  asking  for  a  change  of  pastors:  1st  because  the  pastor  has  the 
subscription  list  beside  the  confessional  and  refuses  to  hear  the  confession  of  those 
who  do  not  contribute  to  their  pastor's  support.  2dly.  The  people  are  Low  Germans 
and  are  not  well  conversant  with  High  German  while  their  children  need  a  priest  that 
masters  the  Low  German,  because  otherwise  they  cannot  learn  the  religion  proper- 
ly; ar.d  3dly,  because  the  Rev.  gentlem.an  causes  trouble  m  the  parish.  Whatever  the 
cause,  Rev.  Masquelet  on  June  21,  1841  bought  some  land  now  partly  belonging  to 
Mrs.  Lena  (Uptmor)  Egan,  of  San  Diego,  Cal.,  partly  to  Mr.  (John  Mueller),  on 
w^hich  he  built  a  small  log  church.  This  stood  about  75  feet  south  of  the  National 
road  and  about  25  feet  west  of  the  eastern  fence.     About  three  adults   and  t'hree 

—  82  — 


children  were  interred  here  (according-  to  Chas.  Eversman's  Mem.)  viz:  Mr.  P. 
Schlep; ev,  M.  Mindrup,  Mrs.  Adelaide  Bruemmer,  and  three  children.  Services  were 
held  here  only  a  few  times,  we  were  told,  probably  Rev.  Masquclet  was  assigned  to 
another  parish.  In  March,  1843,  he  baptized  at  Oldenburg,  Ind.,  where  he  stayed 
about  3  months.  Mr.  C.  Eversman  gives  the  following  DESCRIPTION  of  the  log 
church,  which  stood  on  the  block  designated  on  the  original  plat  G  (Hardiek — 
Hattrup — Buenker  place): 

The  church  was  built  of  hewn  logs;  the  dimensions  were:  32x28  feet;  the  height 
was  about  18  feet.  There  were  six  small  windows  with  12  lights  (8x10.)  The  steeple 
was  added  later  o  i  and  was  two  sections  high,  i.  e.  probably  30-40  ft.  high.  The  in- 
side was  plastered  with  post  oak  clay.  The  laths  were  split  out  of  four  feet  tim- 
ber.    The  outside  was  covered  with  four  feet  clapboards. 

As  the  congregation  was  repeatedly  without  a  clergyman,  Mr.  C.  Uptmor  I.  held 
lay  service,  but  refused,  when  people  joshed  him  about  being  "Unser  Herr  Pastor." 

The  following  OLD  SETTLERS  are  mentioned  about  1839—43,  and  seem  to 
have  been  PARISHIONERS:  Messrs.  Anton  Jansen,  H.  Niemann,  Bernard  Tebbe, 
Jacob  Doedtmann,  J.  B.  Pruemmer,  Joseph  Beckmann,  B.  H.  Suer,  Richard  Loh- 
mann,  Hy.  Hollera,  Wm.  Kabbes,  Bernard  Arns,  Peter  Thoele,  Joseph  Woermann, 
Herman  Siemer,  Hy.  Remme,  H.  Fischer,  John  Osterhaus,  Anton  Doedenkamp,  An- 
ton B.  Janssen,  Hy.  Dust.  In  1845:  Gerard  Doedtmann,  Herman  Doedtmann,  Hy. 
Gerdes,  Clement  Stubbers,  Herman  Stubbers:  1845:  H.  H.  Tegenkamp,  H.  H.  Koors, 
Bernard  Kncpps;  1847:  F.  Meyer,  H.  Koors,  B.  Sanders,  Josepi  Wendt,  Hy.  Wor- 
man,  Joseph  Ber:;ard,  Hy.  Koestcr,  Geo.  Koester,  Ferd.  Braun,  Joseph  Feldhake, 
Mathias  rioenning,  Joseph  Boessing,  Gerard  Osthoff,  Fr.  Hoffmann,  Bernard  Vogt, 
John  Fechtrcp,  Bernard  Deters,  P'red  Grimming,  Arnold  Kreke,  Joseph  Suer,  Hy. 
Herboth,  and  many  others. 

Mr.  Clement  Uptmor,  in  the  oldest  account  book  of  St.  Peter's  Church,  men- 
tions the  following  as  having  contributed  to  the  support  of  the  Rev.  Masquelet: 
in  1839  and  in  the  beginning  of  1840: 


(Joseph)   Ostendorf 

Huemmeler 

(Herman)   Bergfeld 
H.  Pruemmer 
Bernard  Debbe  (Tebbe) 
Jacob  Doedtmann 
John  Osterhaus 
Anton  Dodenkamp 

Kuester  (Koester) 

Hy.  Fischer 

H.  Kuester 

B.  H.  Sur 

J.  H.  Uptmor 

C(lem)  Pundsack 

A.  Pundsack 

(Hy.)  Messmann 


C.  Uptmor 
C.  Vahling 
LATER— 1840 
Gerd.  Hackmann 
H.  H.  Uptmor 
C.  Niemann 
(Frank)  Mindrup 
St.  Suer 
J.  Pundsack 
Joseph  Boeckmann 
H.  H.  Vormor 
J.  B.  Brummer 
(Gred)   Dependener 
Hy.  Remme 
Joseph  Wehrmann 
(Woermann) 


Hy.  Kremer 

Gerard  Kabbis 

John  Rickelmann 

Bernard  Arns 

H(erman)  Fechtrup 

H.  Beermann 

L.  B.  Vogt 

SOON  AFTER  ALSO: 

Joseph  Schroeder 

Jos.  Rabe 

H.  H.  Schulte 

Wm.  Kabbis 

H.  Meyer 

H.  Kathman 

are  mentioned. 


REV.  F.  CZACKERT,  C.  S.  S.  R.  A.  D.  1840 

According  to  the  Catholic  Directory  had  charge  of  St.  Marie,  Jasper  Co.,  and  visited 
Teutopolis  occa.sionally. 

REV.  CHAS.  JOSEPH  OPPERMANN 

Baptized  here  Oct.  28,  and  Nov.  6,  1841,  and  again  on  March  15,  1842. 


REV.  FR.  JOS.  MASQUELET  (OCT.  24,  1842— DEC.  4,  1842) 

baptized  repeatedly. 

REV.  T.  N.  MULLEN,  (MULLIN?)  O.  S.  A.,  (FEBR.  1843— MARCH  3,  1843). 

Rev.  T.  N.  Mullen,  O.  S.  A.,  pastor  of  Newton,  was  the  pastor  ("parochus") 
of  Teutopolis  also.  As  he  was  not  versed  in  the  German  language,  the  REV.  RO- 
MAN WEINZOEPFLEN  came  in  April  and  heard  confessions  and  investigated  the 
case  of  a  Freemason  Doctor,  who  went  to  Holy  Communion  without  observing  the 
strict  law  of  fasting",  who  had  ''married"  again  during  the  life-time  of  his  first 
wife  and  who  stirred  up  the  people  against  the  Church  and  clergy.  The  LATTER, 
he  claimed,  were  all  "ODD  FELLOWS'"  and  this  society,  (L  O.  0.  F.)  was  not  for- 
bidden. Thus  Father  Weinzoepflen  in  his  REPORT  to  the  Vicar  General  of  Vin- 
cennes.  After  a  long  INTERREGNUM  we  find  Rev.  F.  J.  Masquelet,  perhaps  on  a 
visit  to  his  family,  baptizing  on  October  17,  1843,  Mary  Anne  Vogt  and  on  October, 
30th  1843,  Elizabeth  Crule. 

THE.  REV.  J.  VABRET 

was  the  next  pastor.  His  name  appears  on  the  Baptismal  record  on  Sept.  4,  1844, 
as  having  performed  10  baptisms:  Hy.  Baenger,  J.  B.  Jansen,  Phil.  Wempe,  Clement 
Vahling,  Eliz.  'Sur,  Jos.  Doedtman,  Maria  Cath.  Osterhause,  Hy.  Mersman,  Philomena 
Uptmor,  Francis  Kreke  and  on  Sept.  5,  1844,  five  baptisms:  J.  Hy.  Bruemmer,  Hy. 
Koester,  John  Thoele,  Sophy  Marianna  Weber,  Cath.  Eliz.  Weber,  and  on  Sept.  9, 
1844,  two  baptisms: — Hy.  B.  Bettelmann,  bom  May  15,  1844. 

REV.  CARL  JOSEPH  OPPERMANN 

came  again  about  Oct.  13-29,  1844.  He  baptized  John  C.  Kenter,  Mary  Anna  Pund- 
sack,  Mary  Getrtrude  Shindel  and  John  Hy.  Hakman.  The  next  pastor  who  signs 
as  "THE  FIRST  RESIDENT  PASTOR  is  the 

REV.  JOSEPH  KUENSTER  (Nov.  184.5— Aug.  1850.) 

who  was  successful  in  his  labors.  Of  the  cyclone  occurring  during  his  administra- 
tion, we  have  already  spoken.  This  pastor  also  taught  school  for  some  time.  When, 
however,  the  LOG  CHURCH  proved  too  small  for  the  growing  congregation,  and 
a  new  church  was  to  be  built,  the  trouble  began.  Father  Kuenster  went  to  Chicago 
and  resigned  his  charge,  but  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  refused  to  accept  it.  He  became, 
however,  the  target  of  attack  on  the  part  of  some  and  soon  after,  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop 
sent  Fr.  Kuenster  to  the  turbulant  St.  Boniface's  Parish  at  Quincy,  111. 

CHICAGO,  24  May,  1850. 
,  Teutopolis 


DEAR  SIR:— 

The  Rev.  Mr.  Kuenster  was  here  and  on  account  of  the  troubles  that  have  been 
raised  in  his  Congregation  would  have  wished  to  leave  it  and  I  consented  to  the 
measure.  But  I  have  no  priest  to  send  in  his  place,  and  I  can  not  believe  that 
the  congregation  of  Teutopolis  is  so  far  forgetful  of  its  duties  and  the  submission 
they  owe  to  their  Ecclesiastical  supei'iors,  as  to  prefer  being  deprived  of  the  serv- 
ices of  a  priest  rather  than  yield  to  the  decision  of  their  Bishop. 

Rev.  Mr.  Kuenster  seems  to  have  been  accused  of  having  been  prevailed  upon 
me  to  have  the  new  c,hurch  built  on  lot  C,  the  highest  and  finest  spot  in  or  about 
your  town,  and  the  same  accusation  has  been  brought  against  Mr.  F.  Waschefort. 
These  accusations  have  no  foundation  in  truth.  Neither  Rev.  Mr.  Kuenster  nor 
Mr.  Waschefort  has  influenced  me  at  all — the  latter  gentleman  never  spoke  a  word 
to   me   on    the    subject.     After  having   examined   all   the   lots   that   could   be   used 

—  84  — 


to  build  a  church  on,  I  of  my  own  accord,  chose  the  one  in  question,  marked  C, 
on  the  plat  of  the  town,  because  it  is  the  most  advantageous  situated,  in  every 
respect,  and  the  best  adapted  to  build  a  good  church  on. 

On  my  return  here  from  Teutopolis,  I  found  that  my  predecessor,  the  Rt. 
Kev.  Wm.  Quarter,  had  selected  the  same  lot  and  that  then  the  same  objections 
were  made  by  speculators  and  their  friends  and  adherents. 

I  received  several  letters  from  Teutopolis  on  this  subject  and  I  have  always 
answered  that  I  would  not  depart  from  my  decision  deliberately  given  and  that 
I  would  never  consent  to  have  the  New  Church  built  in  any  other  place  but  the 
one  I  and  my  predecessor  had  selected.  I  have  written  thus  to  Doemer,  Fr.  Mas- 
quelet,  John  Waschefort  and  others,  and  it  is  useless  to  try  to  make  me  change 
my  determination.  I  look  to  the  good  and  advantage  of  the  whole  Congregation, 
and  not  to  that  of  individuals,  and  to  the  fcture  as  well  as  to  the  past  and  the 
present.  Rev.  Mr.  Masquelet,  who  has  a  large  tract  of  land  in  the  neighborhood 
and  consequently  feels  an  interest  in  having  the  Church  built  in  the  old  place, 
has  acted  veiy  wrong  in  interfering  in  the  matter  and  has  decidedly  incurred  my 
■displeasure  and  that  of  his  Bishop. 

I  have  reason  to  hope  that  the  whole  Congregation,  perhaps  a  few  stubborn 
members  excepted,  will,  at  last,  willingly  and  gladly  comply  with  the  wishes  of 
their  bishop,  and  for  this  reason  I  have  directed  Rev.  Mr.  Kuenster  to  return,  not 
-wishing  to  deprive  the  Congregation  of  a  priest,  and  thus  punish  the  good  and 
submissive  members  of  the  flock  together  with  the  refractory  ones.  I  had  jirom- 
ised  .$200  as  my  subscription  to  the  new  church,  and  had  hoped  to  lay  the  corner- 
stone of  it  on  the  feast  of  St.  Peter  when  I  shall  be  in  the  neighborhood  of  St. 
Louis.  It  is  probable  also  that  upon  application,  I  may  get  some  hundred  dollars 
subscribed  by  the  Company  in  Cincinnati. 

Should  the  congregation  wish  to  have  the  solemn  ceremony  of  laying  the 
■corner-stone  performed  at  the  end  of  next  month,  or  in  the  beginning  of  July,  I 
will  repair  thither  from  St.  Louis,  where  I  shall  be  on  the  20th  of  June.  Be  kind 
■enough  then  to  communicate  this  letter  to  the  congi-egation,  if  you  can  do  so,  and 
let  me  know  (by  writing  to  me  to  "University  of  St.  Louis,"  where  I  shall  be  on 
the  20th  of  June)  whether  they  wish  me  to  go  over  to  Teutopolis  for  that  purpose, 
— but  it  is  worse  than  useless  to  have  the  new  church  built  on  the  site  of  the  present 
one — and  much  more  so  still  to  try  to  induce  me  to  build  it  in  the  fields  far  away 
where  the  first  church  was  built  by  Mr.  Masquelet.  In  expectation  of  finding  your 
answer  in  St.  Louis  on  or  before  the  day  mentioned,  I  remain. 
Dear  Sir, 

Yours  truly  in  Ct. 

Chicago,  May  26,  Illinois.  JAMES  OLIVER,  Bp.  Chicago. 

His  successor  at  Teutopolis  was  the 

REV.  FR.  J.  FISCHER 

who  attended  Teutopolis  a  few  times  until  iSt.  Peter's  Parish  received  a  new  pastor 
in  the  person  of  the 

REV.  JOSEPH  ZOEGEL  (NOV.  1850— JUNE  1854.) 

The  parish  of  Teutopolis  at  that  time  embraced  all  the  Catholics  of  Effingham 
County,  especially  of  the  present  parishes  at  Effingham,  Green  Creek,  Bishop  Creek, 
etc.,  and  of  several  neighboring  counties.  The  building  of  a  larger  church  became 
an  urgent  necessity.  The  question  of  the  SITE  OF  THE  NEW  CHURCH  caused 
great  disharmony.  This  question  was  settled  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Oliver  Van  de  Velde, 
D.  D.,  second  Bishop  of  Chicago,  as  the  foregoing  letter  proves. 

—  85  — 


Preparations  were  now  made  for  the  new  church.  An  engraving  made  of  the 
church  to  be  built  gives  the  dimensions  as  110  ft.  1.,  60  ft.  w.,  and  30  ft.  high.  The 
steeple  180  ft.  high.  July  20,  1851  had  been  selected  as  the  day  on  which  the  corner- 
stone was  to  be  laid. 

The  DIAMOND  JUBILEE  of  this  important  event  is  what  we  are  celebrating- 
this  year. 

We  take  a  description  of  this  glorious  event  from  "The  Shepherd  of  the  Valley," 
published  in  St.  Louis,  and  reprinted  in  the  Silver  Jubilee  in  the  Episcopacy  of  the 
Most  Rev.  P.  N.  Feehan,  Archbishop  of  Chicago.  We  only  corrected  a  few  mistakes 
in  spelling  of  proper  n?.mes  and  the  date.  The  correct  date  is  July  20,  1851. 

RT.  REV.  BISHOP  VAN  DE  VELDE,  D.  D.,  OF  CHICAGO,  LAYS  THE  CORNER- 
STONE OF  ST.  PETER'S  CHURCH,  JULY  20,  1853. 

"Bishop  Van  de  Velde  left  St.  Louis  early  in  the  morning  on  the  18th  instand, 
accompanied  by  the  Rev.  Joseph  G.  Buschotts,  S.  J.  They  arrived  at  Highland  in 
time  for  dinner,  where  the  Bishop  was  welcomed  by  several  Catholics,  to  whom  his 
visit  was  unexpected.  After  passing  the  whole  night  in  the  stage,  the  Bishop 
and  his  companions  arrived  at  FREEMANTON,  about  sunrise.  Here  they  were  met 
by  a  deputation  from  Teutopolis.  About  5-6  o'clock  in  the  morning,  and  display- 
ing an  imposing  sight,  as  with  flying  banners  they  descended  the  hill,  entered  the 
village  and  wheeled  around  to  welcome  the  Bishop.  They  were  led  on  by  their 
worthy  pa.stor,  Rev.  Joseph  Zoegel,  and  had  brought  a  second  carriage  for  the 
acccmm.cdation  cf  the  Bishop  and  his  attendants.  The  procession  marched  through 
Ewington,  the  county  seat  of  Effingham,  and  reached  Teutopolis  about  8  o'clock 
A.  M.  Several  volleys  of  musketry  announced  their  arrival.  Three  arches  com- 
posed of  trees  and  adorned  with  festoons  and  flowers,  had  been  erected  over  the 
National  road,  which  is  the  main  street  of  the  town.  The  spot  on  which  the  new 
church  is  to  be  erected  was  first  visited,  after  which  the  whole  procession  returned 
to  the  old  log  church,  where  Mass  was  celebrated  by  Rev.  Fr.  Zoegel,  after  which 
the  Bishop  administered  the  Sacrament  of  Confirmation  to  about  forty  children  and 
adults." 

"The  following  day,  sixth  Sunday  after  Pentecost,  July  20th,  was  a  happy  day 
for  the  Catholics  of  Teutopolis.  Early  in  the  morning  the  people  began  to  arrive 
from  the  country.  The  Bishop  said  Mass  at  seven,  and  the  profession  was  formed 
about  nine;  it  was  headed  by  the  children  of  the  parish,  these  were  followed  by 
the  members  of  the  St.  Peter's  Society,  wearing  their  badges,  and  the  latter  by 
nearly  the  whole  congregation,  the  men  preceeding  and  the  women  following  the 
Bishop  and  his  attendants.  The  procession  moved,  amid  the  discharges  of  mus- 
ketry, from  the  old  church  to  the  spot  where  the  foundation  of  the  new  one  has 
just  been  laid,  a  distance  of  more  than  a  quarter  of  a  mile.  The  Bishop  walked 
under  a  large  canopy,  vested  in  alb  and  cope  with  mitre  and  crosier,  and  was 
attended  by  the  Rev.  J.  F.  Fischer  (Pastor  of  St.  Marie  Piquet's  Settlement),  in 
cope;  Rev.  Joseph  Zoegel,  in  chasuble;  and  Rev.  Father  Busschots,  in  surplice  and 
stole.  The  ceremonies  of  laying  the  corner-stone  of  the  new  church  were  per- 
foi-med  with  the  usual  solemnities  during  which  the  Bishop  addressed  the  people 
in  English,  felicitating  them  on  the  happy  termination  of  the  dissensions,  which 
for  several  years  had  distracted  the  congregation,  and  exhorting  them,  hencefor- 
ward, to  cultivate  union  and  fraternal  charity;  after  which  the  Rev.  F.  Busschots 
delivered  an  appropriate  discourse,  in   German,  on  the  text,  "Thou  art  Peter." 

The  ceremony  being  ended,  the  procession  returned  to  the  old  church,  which 
being  of  small  dimensions,  a  temporary  altar  had  been  erected  on  the  outside, 
in  the  open   air.     High   Mass  was   sung  by  Rev.  Fr.   Zoegel,  at  whicji  the  Bishop 

—  86  — 


I 


assisted  with  cope  and  mitre,  attended  by  the  other  two  clergymen.  It  was  nearly 
two  o'clock  P.  M.  when  the  ceremonies  concluded.  A  public  dinner  had  been  pre- 
pared under  a  temporary  bower  erected  near  the  foundations  of  the  new  church. 
3Iore  than  a  hundred  persons  sat  down  to  partake  of  the  festive  banquet.  All  was 
joy  and  happiness.  Solemn  Vespers  were  sung,  followed  by  the  Benediction  with 
the  Blessed  Sacrament  by  the  Bishop.  At  night  the  good  people  of  Teutopolis 
got  up  a  torchlight  procession,  and  came  to  the  Priest's  residence  to  thank  the 
Bishop  and  his  attendants.  Thus  terminated  the  joyful  day  which  will  long  be 
remembered  by  the  members  of  the  congregation  of  Teutopolis."  (, 'Shepherd  of 
the  Valley".) 

The  body  of  the  new  church,  of  which  the  stone  foundations  are  already  laid, 
will  be  110  feet  long  and  60  wide;  the  walls  of  brick,  thirty  feet  high  above  the 
foundations.  The  steeple,  projecting  five  feet,  is  to  be  of  a  height  corresponding 
with  these  dimensions.  The  back  pai-t  of  the  sanctuary  is  to  be  of  an  ellipse 
form,  projecting  eleven  feet  beyond  the  walls,  so  that  the  whole  length  of  the 
church  will  be  126  feet.  Strong  hopes  are  entertained  tliat  it  will  be  covered 
before  the  ensuing  winter. 

JULY  14th.  On  the  following  morning  the  Bishop  with  his  attendants,  re- 
paired to  the  congregation  of  Green  Ci-eek,  about  seven  miles  from  Teutopolis, 
where  he  said  Mass  in  the  log  church  which  had -been  lately  built  there,  under 
the  invocation  of  Mary,  Help  of  Christians! 

Mr.  Caspar  Nolte,  of  St.  Louis,  was  the  architect  and  contractor.  The  stones 
for  the  foundation  were  intended  for  the  construction  of  the  NATIONAL  ROAD, 
work  on  which  had  bean  suspended  years  before.  The  masonry  work  was  finished 
in  1851. 

As  some  who  were  opposed  to  the  building  of  the  church  at  the  present  site, 
-A\ithheld  their  contributions,  work  progressed  but  slowly  and  several  lawsuits  were 
the  result.     To  get  more  funds,  church  land  was  sold. 

TEUTOPOLIS,  APRIL  2.3,  1852. 

TO  THE  RIGHT  REV.  JAMES  OLIVER  VANDEVELDE, 

My  Lord: 

I  transmit  to  your  Lordship  these  documents,  containing 
the  quit  claim  deeds  of  John  F.  Wasc,hefort  and  wife,  such  as  they  came  to  my 
hand  together  with  the  numbers,  descriptions  and  price  of  the  different  tracts  of 
land  and  Town  lots  and  the  names  of  those  persons  which  have  purchased  them. 
The  domain  of  our  church  has  been  sold  very  high,  and  the  sum  of  2013  dollars 
has  been  realized.  I  think  the  church  may  be  completed  this  summer,  if  we  are 
assisted  a  little  by  the  other  members  of  the  Church,  but  I  am  sorry  to  state  that 
the  right  spirit  has  departed  from  many  in  this  community.  And  I  humbly  suggest 
that  a  mission  such  as  Quincy  and  Shoalcreek  settlement  have  enjoyed,  would  great- 
ly contribute  to  awaken  the  spirit  of  union  and  brotherly  love  among  us  and  ma- 
terially aid  in  the  construction  of  the  house  of  God. 
Your  Lordship's  most  humble  servant, 

HERMAN  H.  HUELS,  Sect,  of  Commit. 

As  suggested  to  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  by  Mr.  H.  H.  Huels,  a  mission  was  held 
at  Teutopolis  by  Revs.  Joseph  Weber  S.  J.  and  Rev.  Joseph  Petschowski  S.  J.  (Nov. 
7-17,   1854). 


SOLD  FOR  NEW  CHURCH  BUILDING  AT  TEUTOPOLIS— DEEDS 
DELIVERED  ON  THE  1st  OF  MAY,  1852 

1.  The  S.  E.  fractional  Quart  of  the  N.  W.  quart  Sect.  6  Township  7  N.  of  Range  7 
east  containing  26.14  Acres  sold  at  $77.— to  Henry  Bergfeld. 

2.  The  N.  W.  fraction  Quart,  of  the  N.  W.  Quart.   Sect.  7  Town.  8  N.  of  Range 
7  east.  Contain.  34.74  Acres  sold  to  Joseph  Quartman  at  $180.00. 

3.  The   S.  W.  fract.  Quart,  of  the  N.  W.  Quart.   Sect.  7   Town  8  N.  of  Range  7 
east.  34.74  Acres  to  Widow  Catherine  Probst  at  $121. — 

4.  N.  W.  fract.  Quart,  of  S.  W.  Quart.  Sect.  7  Town  8  N.  of  Range  7  east.  34.74 
Acres  to  Herman  H.  Wempe  at  $205. — 

5.  S.  W.  Quart,  of  N.  W.  Quart.  28  Town  8  N.  of  Range  Six  east.  $0  Acres.  Rev. 
Joseph  Zoegel  at  $154. — 


RT.   REV.  0.  VAN   DE  VELDE,  D.  D. 
Second  Bishop  of  Chicago 


RT.   REV.   HY.   DAMIAN  JUNCKER 
First  Bishop  of  Alton 


6.    Lot  109.  Block  17  John  F.  Waschefort  at  $23.— 

7.  Lot  109  B.  33  Herman  H.  Huels  24  dolls. 

8.  Lot  H.  South  of  Southern  Row,  Between  Wall  and  Washing(ton)   Streets.  Paul 
Martlett  at  105  dollars. 

9.  Out  Lot  No.  142  Ferd.  Nacke  at  51  dollars. 

10.  Lot  marked  E.  a  fractional  piece.     John  Kroeger  at  $64.  dollars. 

On  Easter  day,  March  27,  1853  the  first  divine  service  was  held  in  the  new- 
church  and  a  number  of  children,  made  their  First  Holy  Communion  on  this  day. 
Rev.  J.  Weber  stayed  a  few  weeks,  to  assist  in  establishing  harmony.  Still  the  funds 
were  lacking  and  the  steeple  could  not  be  built.  Nor  was  the  interior  plastered  be- 
fore fall  1858.  A  poor,  temporary  altar  was  installed.  After  Father  Jos.  Zoegel's- 
departure 

REV.  CHAS.  F.  RAPHAEL  (JULY  1854— NOV.  1856,) 

came  to   assume   charge.     He   also  met  with   various   difficulties.He   occassionally^ 
said  Mass  in  the  Bishop  Creek  school.  He  was  in  turn  succeeded  by  the 

REV.  H.  LIERMANN  (NOV.  1856— JAN.  1857.) 

The  next  pastor  was 

—  88  — 


REV  CARL  ZUCKER 

who  rem?Jned  only  three  weeks  when  he  withdrew  in  disgust,  as  it  seems. 

TEUTOPOLIS,  MAY  28,  1857. 
THE  RT.  REV.  BISHOP  OF  ALTON. 
RT.   REV.    SIR: 

The  undersigned  trustees  of  tlie  church  at  Teutopolis  feel  bound  most 
humbly  to  submit  the  following  to  your  Lordship. 

1.  For  a  long  time  we  have  had  no  regular  p( resident)  priest  so  that  the 
inhabitants  cannot  comply  with  their  religious  duties. 

2.  The  church  is  still  encumbered  with  a  debt  of  $7000.00  and  we  are  unable 
without  the  cooperation  and  the  authority  of  a  priest  to  pay  them. 

3.  The  church  is  only  half  complete;  the  edifice  has  indeed  been  reared,  but 
the  interior  is  still  entirely  bare. 

4.  The  parish  subscribed  the  sum  of  some  $700.00  for  a  new  parsonage  and 
the  work  is  to  begin;  in  this  case  too,  the  presence  and  helping  hand  of  a  priest 
would  bo  of  gicat  advantage  to  the  congregation. 


REV.  THOMAS  FRAUENHOFER        REV.  GERARD  BECHER,  O.  F.  M.. 

5.  The  parish  begs  of  your  Lordship  to  visit  Teutopolis  in  person  as  soon: 
as  feasible,  v/here  you  may  then  assign  the  most  suitable  means  and  ways  to  re,- 
move  our  difficulties. 

6.  At  the  advice  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  of  Chicago  we  have  sold  the  following" 
real  estate  property  of  the  church,  to  partially  pay  its  debts,  viz. 

Acres  6  75-100  NW  fr.  1-4  S.  1  Tp.  8R.  5  E $350.00 

40  Acres  NW.  SW.  Sect.  1.  8  5  E 22.00 

49  Acres  SE.  SW.  1-4  Sect.  36.  9.  5  E $185.00 

80  Acres  W  1-2  SE  1-4  Sect.  36.  9.  5  E $350.00 

35-100  W  1-2  N  1-2  SW.  2  7.  8.  7  E $400.00' 

30-100  W  1-2  NW.  fr.  Sect.  18.  8.  7  E $600.00 

Lot  No.  9  in  B.  7  in  Teutopolis  $60.00 

Lot-  No.  36  in  B.  8  in  Teutopolis  $85.00 

—  89  — 


Lot  maiked  H  on  the  town  Plat  $95.00 

Lots  No's.  109  in  Bs.  17  and  33 $21.00 

(Old  Log  Church)    $70.00 

$2086.00 
35.00 

TOTAL - $2121.00 

We  forwaid  to  you  part  of  the  deeds  and  shall  soon  forward  the  remaining-  on 
Respectfully  yours, 

Clement    Brumleve,    Bernard    Raben,    .rdin    Vechtrop,    John    Wegman. 


PLAIN  TREE   SCHOOL 


Meanwhile  Green  Creek  had  received  a  resident  pastor  the 

REV.  THOMAS   FRAUENHOFER,   FEBR.  12— APR.   28,   1858 

who  also  attended  Effingham.  He  came  repeatedly  to  the  aid  of  the  orphaned  par- 
ish which  soon  received  a  new  shepherd  the 

REV.  J.  H.  FORTMANN  AUG.  .5,  1857— JAN.  1858 

he  took  up  a  subscr.  $723.64  for  erecting  a  new  parso^^age 

INTERREGNUM  (JAN— MAY  15,  1858) 

REV.  BARTHOLOMEW  BARTELS,  MAY  15.  18.58— OCT.  1858 

who  had  landed  in  U.  S.  IMay  3,  1838,  having  just  come  from  Germany.  The  Rev.  Fa- 
ther Bartels  collected  $1  302.64  for  the  new  parsonage  and  had  laid  the  cornerstone 
when  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Hy.  Damian  Juncker  sent  the  Franciscan  Fathers  to 
take  charge  of  Teutopclis. 

—  90  — 


CHAPTER  II. 

St.  Francis  Parish  in  Charge  of  the  Franciscans 


ST.    PETER'S.    RESPECTIVELY    ST.    FRANCIS    PARISH    AT   TEUTOPOLIS    IN 
CHARGE  OF  THE  FRANCISCAN  FATHERS  (Oct.  1858— the  present  day). 

When  the  Rt.  Rev.  Damian  Hy.  Juncker  wa.^  appointed  Bishop  of  Alton,  in 
Jan.  1857,  (Quincy  Dior-ese  erected  1853),  and  con.-ecrated  on  April  26,  1857,  he 
found  a  population  of  50,000,  in  charge  of  28  priests,  58  churches,  5  churches  in  the 
course  of  erection,  30  missions.  Realizing  how  this  dearth  of  pastors  must  result 
in  the  loss  of  many  souls,  he,  in  the  fall  of  1857,  made  a  trip  to  Europe  to  visit 
Rome  and  obtain  priests  for  his  poor  diocese.  He  was  accompanied  by  the  Rev. 
August  Diickwedde,  jjastov  of  St.  Libory's,  Illinois.  At  the  recommendation  of 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Conrad  ]\Iartin,  Bishop  of  Paderborn,  and  in  consequence  of  the  elo- 
quent pleading  the  Rev.  Brickwedde,  the  Very  Rev.  Provincial  Gregory  Jan- 
knecht,  0.  F.  M.,  though  not  having  a  large  number  of  priests,  promised  to  come 
to  the  aid  of  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Juncker.  The  Provincial  Council,  in  a  meeting  held 
at  Wiedenbrueck,  gave  its  consent  to  the  undertaking,  and  the  permission  of  the 
Minister-General  at  Rome  was  received  without  much  delay.  Thereupon  three 
fathers  anrl  six  lay  brothers  were  chosen  from  among  the  many  that  had  volun- 
teered. The  Rev.  FATHERS  chosen  were:  Damian  Hennewig,  superior;  Capis- 
tran  Zv/inge,  and  Servatius  Altmicks.  The  BROTHERS  were:  Irenaeus  Drewes, 
Paschal  Kutsrhe,  Marianus  Beile,  Julius  Schmaenk,  Edmund  Wilde,  and  Herman 
Uphoff;  the  last  two  belonged  to  the  Third  Order  Regular.  (Cfr.  "Beitraege  Zur 
Geschichte  von  Teutopolis  unter  besonderer — Beruecksichtigung  des  Wirkens  der 
dortigen  Franziskaner  1839  resp.  1851 — 1901,"  P.  65,  and  "The  Franciscans  in 
Southern  Illinois"  by  Rev.  Silas  Barth  in  "111.  Cath.  Hist.  Review,"  Vol.  II.  P.  16if 
(A.  D.  Oct.  1919).  The  nine  bade  farewell  to  their  brethren  at  Warendorf  on 
August  24,  1858,  embarked  at  Brem.erhafen  aboard  the  "Bremen"  on  August  27, 
landed  in  Nevv'  York  on  Sept.  14,  and  on  Sept.  23,  1858,  the  first  division  arrived 
at  Teutopolis. 

The  eastern  buck-wing  of  Mr.  Leo  P'uelle's  store,  the  residence  of  Mr.  Alph. 
Gardewine,  served  as  temporary  monastery  till  Dec.  1858.  When  the  new  parson- 
age, already  begun  by  Rev.  B.  Bartels,  was  finished,  it  was  changed  into  a  monas- 
tery. Father  Damian  soon  added  another  addition.  On  October  3,  1858,  Father 
B.  Bartels  turned  the  parish  over  to  the  Friars. 

REV.  DA:\IIAN   HENNEWIG,   O.   F.  M.,   (Oct.  3,   1858— July   1862) 

As  Teutopolis  had  changed  pastors  so  often  (six  pastors  in  two  years)  and 
repeatedly  and  for  a  considerable  time  had  been  deprived  of  a  pastor,  the  spiritual 
condition  of  the  congregation  augmented  by  dissensions  left  much  to  be  desired. 
Father  Damaan,  therefore,  set  to  work  at  once,  not  only  to  finish  and  embellish 
the  church,  but  to  quicken  the  pulsation  of  spiritual  life  and  to  promote  educational 
work.  At  the  arrival  of  the  Friars,  the  steeple  was  unfinished,  extending  only 
slightly  over  the  almost  flat  roof,  the  church  was  just  being  plastered,  the  altar, 
a  poor  temporary  makeshift,  and  the  melodeon  was  in  the  sanctuary.  New  al- 
tars were  obtained,  probably  from  Cincinnati;  the  side  altars  cost  probably  $400.00 
each,  and  were  donated  by  the  Married  Ladies'  and  Young  Men's  Societies.  The 
high  altar  was  a  gift  of  St.  Peter's  Men  Society.     A  large  bell,  for  whiqh  Mrs.  C. 

—  91  — 


Uptmor,  Mrs.  F.  F.  Eversman  and  Mrs.  H.  Huslag-e  had  collected  $1,300.00,  was 
blessed  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Juncker,  in  honor  of  St.  Peter.  On  the  following  day, 
the  Rt.  Rev.  Ordinary  consecrated  the  High  Altar  in  honor  of  St.  Francis  as 
primary  patron  and  also  in  honor  of  St.  Peter  as  secondary  Patron.  He  enclosed 
relics  of  some  anonymous  martyrs  and  of  St.  Maturicus.  (?)  The  new  cemetery 
had  already  been  blessed  on  June  5th. — A  mission  had  been  preached  at  Teutopolis 
Dec.     12 — 19,     1858;      all   i.   e.     about  500     persons     received  holy     Communion. 

His  first  care  was  to  furnish  and  beautify  the  house  of  God  and  build  up  the 
interior  life.  He  procured  new  altars  which  when  the  church  was  remodeled  into 
a  Gothic  one,  were  sold  to  S.  Heart  Churcji  in  Effingham. 

It  is  really  an  impressionable  people,  susceptible  of  good.  Many  a  tear  have 
I  seen  trickling  down  their  cheeks,  not  only  at  the  ordinary  exhortation  and  in 
conversation,  but  also  in  the  confessional."  Thus  P.  Damian  to  Very  Rev.  Pro- 
vincial.— "Hardly  a  day  now  passes  without  some  people  approaching  the  foun- 
tains of  salvation,  the  holy  sacraments,"  writes  P.  Servatius.  In  another  letter 
P.  Damian  writes:     "It  is  almost  incredible,  how  great  the  confidence  of  the  peo- 


VIEW  OF  OLD  ALTAR,  1860—1901 
Marriage  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Clement  Hotze 

pie  here  is  towards  priests  walking  worthy  of  their  calling  and  proceeding  with 
circumspection  and  prudence.  If  the  priest  says  a  thing,  that  settles  it.  Here 
we  can  discover  the  intrinsic  value  of  our  holy  religion  for  a  Catholic,  in  spite 
of  the  many  difficulties  which  the  parish  has  had  with  its  pastors.  But  with 
all  their  soul  they  again  adhere  to  the  new  pastor  sent  them.  This  is  our  ex- 
perience. The  people  do  all  in  their  power  to  make  our  condition  as  pleasant  as 
possible.  They  bring  us  victuals  in  siich  abundance  that  a  larger  community 
could  subsist.     In  turn  .we  have  work  in   abundance." 

In  1860,  Rev.  P.  Damian  writes  to  the  Provincial,  whom  he  experts  for  visita- 
tion: "You  will  find  how  good-natured  these  people  are,  whom  formerly  I  imagin- 
ed to  be  giddy  immigrants  and  whom  I  now  find  of  such  a  serious  and  sympathetic 
disposition,  transformed,  no  doubt,  by  many  trials  and  severe  privations. — In 
order  to   preserve   their   good   dispositions,   to   accustom   them   to   frequent  prayer 

—  92  — 


and  vrligious  exercises,  without  overburdening  those  not  accustomed,  we  proceeded 
g-raduaily,  step  by  step.'"      (P.  Damian,  May  9,  1859). 

REV.   MATHIAS   HILTERMANN,   O.   F.   M.,    (July    1862— end   of   May,   1864) 

Father  Mathias  at  once  took  charge  of  his  new  duties  as  Commissary  Provin- 
cial, ?.Ir.stcr  of  Novices,  and  pastor  of  Teutopolis.  He  continued  in  the  footsteps 
of  his  predecessor.  He  promoted  the  Holy  Childhood  Society  in  a  special  manner 
among  yoj.iig  and  ohi,  founded  on  February  9,  1864  the  St.  Anthony's  Reading 
Circle   a.id   Singing   Club. 

:  EV.  DAMIA::  HENNEWIG,  O.  F.  M.,  (May  1864— Dec.  12,  186.5) 

Taeicupon  Eev.  Damian  Hennewig,  0.  F.  M.,  (May  1864— Dec.  12,  1865)  once 
more  administered  to  Qi.  Francis  parish  despite  his  frail  health.  He  was  fre- 
quently assisted  by  Rev.  Fathers  Killian,  Nazarius,  Francis  Moenning  and  Eugene 
Puers.     He  v/as  pla/.ning  the  election  of  the   Sisters'   school  and  had  already  ap- 


REV.  DAMASUS  RUESIXG,  O.F.M. 


REV.  DOMINIC  FLORIAN,  O.  F.  M. 


pointed  :>Ir.  Clement  Uptmor  on  the  Building  Committee  when  the  end  came. 
Prerious  as  his  life  had  been,  was  also  his  death,  on  Dec.  12,  1865.  He  was  the 
first  to  be  buried  in  the  vault  in  the  monastery  garden.     R.  I.  P. 

REV.  FR.  MATHIAS   HILTERMANN,  O.  F.  M.,   (Dec.  1865— July  1873) 

Rev.  Fr.  Mathias  Hlltermann,  O.  F.  M.,  (Dec.  1865-July  1873),  now  returned 
to  Teutopolis  as  pastor  and  retained  this  office  from  Dec.  1865 — July  1873.  Fa- 
ther Mathias  purchased  the  new  organ  about  October  1867,  erected  the  Girls' 
school  and  Academy,  and  built  the  steeple;  the  cost  for  the  latter  seems  to  have 
been  defrayed  by  the  Men's  Society. 

—  93  — 


o 


< 


In  summev  1873,,  Fr.  Llathias  was  succeeded  as  pastor  of  St.  Francis'  by  the 
REV.  GERARD  BECHER,  O.  F.  M.  He  enlarged  the  cemetery  and  had  a  walk 
built  thither.  At  his  invitation,  the  Rev.  Fi-anciscan  Fathers,  Vinc.ent  Halbfas, 
Pancratius  Schulte  and  Maternus  Mallmann  preached  a  successful  mission. 

In  Dec.  1876,  Fv.  Gerard  was  assigned  to  St.  John's  Church,  Joliet,  as  pastor 
and  as  the  first  superior  of  the  new  residence  there.  His  place  at  Teutopolis  was 
now  filled  by  the  Rev.  Master  of  Novices  DAMASUS  RUESING,  0.  F.  M.,  (Dec. 
1876.— July  1879).  He  procured  the  new  beautiful  stations  of  the  cross,  the 
Christmas  Crib  (except  the  Three  Kings)  and  began  to  erect  the  Boys'  scjiool 
east  of  the  church.  When  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  first  Definitors  of  the 
Province  of  the  Sacved  Her.rt,  the  REV.  DOMINIC  FLORIAN,  O.  F.  M.,  hereto- 
fore rector  of  St.  Michael's  parish  at  Sigal,  was  made  pastor  at  Teutopolis.  He 
changed  the  St    Mary's  Society  of  the  Ladies  into  a  Christian  Mother  Society  and 


REV.  PAUL  TEROERDE,  0.  F.  M. 


REV.  POLYCARP  RHODE,  0.  F.  M. 


St.   Ross  Young  Ladies'   Society  into  a   Marian   Sodality.     He     also     finished      the 
School  and   H?.1I   begun  by  his   predecessor. 


REV.  PAUL  TEROERDE,  O.  F.  M.,   (July   1879— July   1886) 

Rev.  Paul  Teroerde,  O.  F.  M.,  was  the  next  pastor  of  Teutopolis.  He  renewed 
the  roof  of  the  church,  installed  new  windows,  renewed  the  steeple  in  1886,  invited 
the  Capuchian  Fathers  Capistran,  Ignatius  and  Damian  to  give  a  mission,  en- 
larged the  cemetery,  bought  a  fine  set  of  vestments  for  $500.00,  ordered  the  statues 
of  St.  Louis  and  of  the  Guardian  Angel,  added  a  steps  to  the  Boys'  school  serving 
as  a  fire  escape,  enlarged  the  organ  gallery  and,  in  1886,  installed  a  new  tower- 
clock,  which  came  from  Mr.  Pollhans  in  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  and  cost  $750.00,  which 
St.  Joseph's  Men  Society,  St.  Peter's  Men  Society,  the  Christian  Mothers,  the 
Young  Men's  Sodality  and  the  Young  Ladies'  Sodality  paid  for  in  part.  Mr.  J. 
Funnemann  donated  $100.00. 

—  95  — 


When  his  six  years  as  guardian  were  up,  FR.  SERAPHIN  LAMPE,  O.  F.  M., 
was  given  charge  of  Teutopolis  congregation  and  monastery.  He  had  the  organ 
rebuilt  at  an  expenditure  of  $1,020.00  and  shade  trees  planted  at  the  church,  in  school 
yards  and  in  the  cemetery.  After  a  year  and  a  half,  his  predecessor  also  bec,ame 
his   successor   (Jan.   1888— Aug.   1894). 

FATHER  PAUL  TEROERDE,  O.  F.  M. 

completed  the  crib  by  adding  the  figures  of  the  Three  King.s — the  whole  crib  costing 
about  $400.00;  it  was  paid  by  the  Christian  Mothers. — Fr.  Paul  put  steam  heating  in- 
to the  church  (1889),  he  also  put  up  the  Sacred  Heart  Altar  and  regulated  the 
salary  question.  Heretofore  the  Fathers  accepted  no  cash  salary,  but  took  up 
two  collections  ("Termine")  per  year — one  in  spring,  another  in  fall.  Various 
victuals:  meat,  eggs,  wheat,  potatoes,  etc.,  were  collected.  As  this  did  not 
amount  to  the  sum  paid  to  secular  priests,  Fr.  Michael  ordered  that  the  vicltuals 
be  estimated  at  the  market  value  and,  what  was  lacking  to  $1000.00,  be  paid  in 
cash. — During  his  two  terms,  Fr.  Paul  was  ably  assisted  by  the  Rev.  P.  P.  Damasus, 
Francis  Haase,  Francis  Albers,  Eustace   Brueggemann,  Anselm   Puetz   and   Cletus 


REV.   CASIMIIi   HUErPE,   0.   F.   M. 


REV.   THEODOSIUS   PLASSMEYER 
0.   F.   M. 


Gierschewski.  In  1882,  the  7th  Centenary  of  the  Birth  of  St.  Francis  was  solemn- 
ly commemorated.  During  Fr.  Paul's  second  term  the  dreaded  Influenza  snatched 
a  number  of  victims.     Fr.  Paul  himself  "was  very  sick  but  recovered. 

At  the  expiration  of  his  second  term,  Fr.  Paul  was  called  by  obedience  to  be 
pastor  and  superior  at  the  new  Franciscan  residence  at  Washington,  Mo.,  entrusted 
to  the  Franciscans  by  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  J.  J.  Kain,  of  St.  Louis,  at  the  re- 
quest of  the  Jesuits,  who  had  long  been  in  charge.  At  Teutopolis  he  was  succeeded 
as  pastor  and  superior  by  the  kind 

P.  POLYCARP  RHODE,  O.  F.  M.,  (Aug.  1894— Jan.  12,  1899) 

Father  Polycarp  had  been  a  teacher  in  Germany  and  sought  to  win 
the  young  people.     He  won  the     hearts     of  all     by  his     amiability.     Fr.  Polycarp 

—  97  — 


installed  the  new  Communion  railing  and  the  new  pulpit.  When  he  was  called  to 
St.  John's  at  Joliet,  the  people  at  once  made  up  a  burse  to  be  used  at  his  pleasure. 
With  the  pemiission  of  the  donors,  he  used  the  money  to  pay  for  a  window  in  the 
poor   church    of  his   native    place.     The      new      Pastor   of      St.    Francis      was      the 

REV.   CASIMIR    HUEPPE,    O.   F.  M.,    (Jan.    1899— July    1912) 

He  was  to  do  great  things  at  Teutopolis  and  his  pastorate  is  one  of  the  most  re- 
markable of  all  in  the  Annals  of  the  "Duetske  Staadt/'  in  fact,  Fr.  Casimir  was 
a  typic^al  Low  German  and  it  took  a  man  of  stubborn  determination  to  accomplish 
what  he  accomplished.  He  repaired  school  and  hall  and,  in  1900,  erected  the  beau- 
tiful crucifixion  group  in  the  Cemetery.  This  cross  cost  about  $300.00  and  is  a 
gift  of  the  St.  Peter'.s  Men  and  Young  Men's  Societies.  Fr.  Casimir  also  organized 
the  St.  Aloysius  Sodality  for  boys  and  St.  Agnes  Sodality  for  girls  and  the  Holy 
Family    Society    so    strongly    recommended   by    the    Pope.     He,    moreover,    induced 


REV.   SERVATIUS  ALTMICKS,  O.   F.   M.    (1858) 
At  Santa  Barbara,  Calif.,  Old  Mission 


the  Men's  and  Young  Men's  Societies  to  affiliate  with  the  "Katholische  Vereinsbund 
von  Illinois."  As  the  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY  OF  THE  LAYING  OF  THE 
CORNER-STONE  OF  THE  PRESENT  CHURCH  (by  Rt.  Rev.  James  Oliver  Van 
de  Velde,  Bishop  of  Chicago  o  nJuly  20,  18-51)  drew  near,  Fr.  Casimir  began  to 
plan  what  his  predecessors  had  often  wished,  but  not  dared  do — to  transform 
the  plain,  ungainly  churcji  with  its  flat  ceiling  into  a  more  artistic  House  of  God. 
He  at  first  met  with  great  opposition;  but  finally  he  prevailed,  and  he  so  thorough- 
ly remodeled  the  edifice  that  little  remained  but  the  walls.  The  steeple,  which 
was  showing  signs  of  decay,  was  taken  down,  and  rebuilt  to  a  height  of  173  feet. 
The  walls  were  raised  and  three  naves  of  Gothic  design  replaced  the  flat  ceiling. 
The  friars  erected  their  choir  on  the  east  side  of  the  Sanctuary,  in  order  to  have 
a  view  of  the  altar  during  divine  service.  This  enabled  the  pastor  to  move  the 
Communion  railing  and  the  new  High  Altar  farther  to  the  south.  This  beautiful 
altar  is  from  the  studio  of  Mr.  Hy.  Dreisoerner,  then  at  Quincy,  and  cost  $1000.00. 

—  98  — 


It  is  a  gift  of  the  John  Funnemann  family.  When  the  interior  remodeling  was 
done,  the  church  was  tastefully  decorated  by  Mr.  Wm.  Kloer,  a  St.  Louis  artist, 
while  Mr.  Scheidgen  of  Chicago  furnished  tlie  paintings:  The  Granting  of  the 
Portiuncula  Indulgence  (over  the  triumphal  arch)  according  to  Fred.  Overbeck, 
and  the  paintings  of  St.  Bernardine  of  Siena  and  of  St.  John  Capistran.  The  four 
evangelists  painted  on  copper  plates  are  a  fine  ornament  of  the  front  of  the  High 
altar.  The  old  Romanesque  altars  purchased  by  Rev.  P.  Damian,  were  sold  to 
Rev.  Father  Wm.  Healy,  of  S.  Heart  Church,  Effingham.  For  the  present,  tem- 
porary side  altars  were  installed.  As  these  many  changes  took  more  time  than 
at  first  anticipated,  the  jubilee  celebration  had  to  be  postponed  until  January, 
1902.  As  a  rem.ote  preparation,  a  mission  had  been  preached  by  Rev.  Francis 
Albers,  O.  F.  M.,  and  Rev.  Francis  Haase,  O.  F.  M.  Meanwhile  a  Golden 
Jubilee  Souvenir  was  edited  entitled,  "Beitraege  zur  Geschichte  von  Teu- 
topolis  und  Umgegend  unter  besonderer  Beruechsichtigung  des  Wirkens  der  dorti- 


REV.  ANSELM  PUETZ,  O.F.M. 


REV.  NICHOLAS  LEONARD,  O.  F.  M. 


gen  Franziskaner."     The  material  was  gathered  by  Rev.  Eugene  Hagedorn,  0.  F. 
M.:   it  was  edited  by  other  hands. 

THE   GOLDEN   JUBILEE     OF    THE     LAYING    OF   THE     CORNER-STONE     OF 
ST.  FRANCIS'  CHURCH,   (1851— Jan.  6,  7,  8  and  9,  1902) 


A  three  days'  mission  renewal  preceded  the  grand  jubilee  as  a  fitting  prepara- 
tion. On  Monday,  Jan.  6,  1902,  took  place  the  consecration  of  the  new  High  Altar, 
by  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  J.  Janssen,  D.  D.,  of  Belleville,  111.  A  solemn  High  Mass 
followed,  of  which  the  officers  were:  Very  Rev.  Hugolinus  Storff,  celebrant.  Rev. 
Fabian  Rechtiene,  O.  F.  M.,  deacon  and  Rev.  Stanislaus  Riemann,  subdeacon;  the 
latter  two  were  sons  of  the  parish.  After  this  followed  Sacramental  Benediction 
and  Te  Deum.  In  the  evening,  the  college  boys,  under  the  able  direction  of  Rev. 
Valerius  Nelles,  O.  F.  M.,  rendered  an  excellent  musical  program  in  honor  of  the 
guests. — On  Tuesday,  Jan.  7th,  cannon  shots  announced  the  break  of  the  great 
day.     At  9  o'clock,  the  brass  band  of  Effingham  arrived  and  formed  a  procession 


to  the  college  to  escort  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Ryan  to  the  churc}i.  Here  Pontifical 
High  Mass  was  celebrated;  the  jubilee  sermon  was  preached  by  the  Very  Rev. 
Hugolinus  Storff,  O.  F.  M.,  Provincial.  The  banquet  was  served  at  the  College 
Gymnasium  by  the  ladies  and  young  ladies  of  the  parish.  This  over,  the  poems 
on  "Teutopolis,''  composed  by  the  Rev.  Francis  Albers  for  the  occasion  were  sung 
again  and  again.  Next  was  the  Fair  with  its  comic  scenes.  At  five  o'clock  sup- 
per was  served;  at  6:30,  the  children  rendered  a  fine  program  in  the  school  hall, 
after  which  the  Fair  continued.  On  Thursday,  Jan.  9th,  the  Fair  was  kept  up 
partly  inside,  partly  outside  in  a  tent,  in  front  of  school.  Supper  was  set  again; 
at  6:45  a  large  concourse  of  people — 600 — 700  persons — marched  in  the  torchlight 
procession  through  the  main  streets  past  the  college  and  Sisters'  School;  in  front 
of  the  church  halt  was  called  and,  with  three  cheers  for  Rev.  Father  Casimir  and 
Teutopolis,  and  with  "Grosser  Gott",  the  people  disbanded. 

In  fall  of  1902,  the  church  was  furnished  with  new  pews  and  with  a  new  floor. 
The  following  year  many  got  small-pox  from  a  person  at  a  dance  and  business 
houses  and  even  the  church  v/ere  closed  for  a  time.  Two  children  died;  one  adult 
only  had  to  be  anointed,  but  recovered.  In  fall  1903,  Rev.  Casimir,  with  the  ap- 
proval of  the  Rt.  Pvev.  Bishop,  changed  the  highest  class  of  boys  and  girls  into 
a  parochial  school.  This  was  soon  changed  again.  Mr.  Louis  Rieg,  who  had 
served  the  Teutopolis  boys'  school  so  long  and  well,  was  replaced  by  Sisters  de 
Notre  Dame.  The  school  directors  were  henceforth  to  pay  the  Sisters  $650.00  to 
which  the  parish  adds  $150.00.  Besides,  it  agreed  to  furnish  the  Sisters  with 
fuel  (coal  and  wood).  The  position  of  organist  was  filled  by  Miss  Carrie  Young. 
The  year  1904  brought  the  FIFTIETH  ANNIVERSARY  of  the  declaration  of  the 
DOGMA  OF  THE  IMMACULATE  CONCEPTION.  Besides  a  high  Mass  every 
month,  a  Triduum  preceeded  the  feast  of  the  Immaculate  Conception.  Almost  the 
whole  parish  received  the  Sac,raments  and  tried  to  gain  the  jubilee  indulgence. 
On  Dec.  8th,  the  celebration  reached  its  climax.  Rev.  Fr.  Roger  Middendorf 
preached  the  festive  sermon.  In  the  afternoon  there  was  a  procession  with  the 
statue  of  Mary  Immaculate  carried  by  the  Young  Ladies  dressed  in  white.  St. 
Agnes  Sodality  and  the  Franciscan  Community  took  part  in  the  same.  The 
church  was  decked  in  festive  array:  wreaths  and  inscriptions  on  the  pillars. 
(Antiphon  Tota  pulchra  made  by  Bro.  Adalbert  Czichos,  O.  F.  M.)  Among  the 
jubilee  gifts  was  a  beautiful  new  cruciform  MONSTRANCE  imported  from  Kevel- 
aar.  Alas,  it  was  received  a  few  days  too  late  for  the  festival  celebration.  It 
is  a  gift  of  the  Mr.  John  Funnemann  family,  several  parishioners,  and  the  jubilee 
collection  on  Dec.  8th. 

THE    GOLDEN    JUBILEE    OF    THE    ADVENT    OF    THE    FRIARS    MINOR    AT 
TEUTOPOLIS,   (Sept.  1868— Oct.  1908) 

The  golden  jubilee  of  the  arrival  of  the  Franciscan  Fathers  was  another  occa- 
sion of  great  rejoicing  in  Teutopolis.  It  was  united  with  the  celebration  of 
POPE  PIUS  X.'s  GOLDEN  SACERDOTAL  JUBILEE  and  with  the  MEETING  OF 
THE  EFFINGHAM  COUNTY  DISTRICKTSVERBAND.  This  time  the  parish 
could  celebrate  in  its  own  Hall.  For  Fr.  Casimir  had  purchased  the  necessary 
land  from  Mrs.  Hakman  and  had  erected  the  Society  Hall,  1907 — '08.  It  was  de- 
dicated on  June  28,  1908.  At  the  time  there  was  much  opposition  and  the  pastor, 
in  fact,  built  against  the  will  of  the  majority.  If  a  basement  was  not  built,  as 
some  had  advised,  the  reason  was  simply  to  avoid  greater  cost,  since  the  people 
were  opposed  to  building  the  Hall.  How  great  a  thing  Fr.  Casimir  did  in  provid- 
ing the  parish  with  .'^uch  a  spacious  hall,  can  only  be  properly  understood  after 
the  lapse  of  years.  The  excellent  jubilee  program  was  opened  with  Pontifical  High 
Mass  on  Sunday,  Oct.  4th,  Rt.  Rev.  John  Janssen,  D.  D.,  Bishop  of  Belleville,  was 

—  100  — 


the  celebrant.  The  powerful  sermon  was  delivered  by  the  Very  Rev.  Michael  Rich- 
ardt,  O.  F.  M.,  a  most  popular  preacher.  Dinner  over,  the  Delegates  of  the  Dis- 
trict's Verband  held  their  meeting.  After  a  short  devotion,  the  parade  of  the 
delegates  and  societies  from  the  neighboring  parishes  took  place.  The  streets 
were  appropriately  decorated  with  bunting,  streamers  and  inscriptions.  At  the 
hall,  Mr.  J.  Brumleve  gave  the  address  of  welcome.  Very  Rev.  Provincial  Cyprian 
Banscheid  delivered  the  address  on  the  Pope's  sacerdotal  jubilee  and  Mr.  Kenkel 
spoke  on  ST.  FRANCIS  AND  THE  SOCIAL  QUESTION.  Rev.  John  Pennartz,  of 
Sigel,  wound  up  with  an  address  on  the  "PURPOSE  OF  THE  DISTRICKTSVER- 
BAND.'  At  seven  o'clock  P.  M.,  the  school  children,  under  the  direction  of  the 
Sisters,  gave  a  delightful  entertainment  to  a  packed  house.  It  is  claimed  that  on 
this  occasion  there  were  5000  persons  in  Teutopolis.  Besides  the  regular  trains, 
which  were  crowded,  a  special  train  from  Newton  and  Dieterich  broug-ht  a  large 
delegation.  On  Monday,  solem.n  High  Mass  was  sung  at  9:30.  Fr.  Francis  Al- 
bers,  O.  F.  M.,  delivered  an  excellent  sermon  on  the  Religious  State.  At  the  two 
o'clock  P.  M.  meeting.  Rev.  Hoffmann  and  Mr.  Nosbisch  gave  a  report  of  con- 
ventions attended.  At  7:30  St.  Rose's  Sodality  presented  a  fine  drama  entitled, 
"The  School  of  Sorrow."  On  Tuesday  afternoon  the  children  gave  an  entertain- 
ment to  a  crowded  hall.  At  6:30  P.  M.,  a  Chinese  Torchlight  procession  took  place 
through  the  brilliantly  illumined  streets.  Then  followed  a  reception  given  to  the 
Franciscan  Fathers.  A  number  of  addresses  gave  evidence  of  the  love  and  esteem 
in  which  the  Fathers  are  held.  Finally,  Father  Casimir  thanked  all  who  had  aided 
in  making  the  celebration  such  a  success.  Fr.  Michael  wound  up  the  evening's 
program  in  his  popular  vein.  The  next  day  a  Requiem  was  ch;".ite:l  fcr  the  souls 
of  the  departed  Friars,  a  number  of  whom  rest  in  the  Monastery  vault,  and  a  visit 
was  made  to  their  last  resting  place,  to  show  that  the  living  have  not  forgotten 
what  those  who  preceded,  have  done  for  them.  Thus  ended,  perhaps,  the  most 
magnificent  demonstration  the  "Duetske  Staadt"  has  witnessed.  Among  the  many 
visitors  we  must  not  forget  the  Rev.  Ed.  Blecke,  O.  F.  M.,  Prov.  of  the  Holy  Name 
Province. 

On  Thanksgiving  day,  Nov.  30,  1911,  was  celebrated  the  FIFTIETH  ANNI- 
VERSARY OF  THE  ARRIVAL  OF  THE  NOTRE  DAME  SISTERS  at  this  town 
(the  exact  date  is  Dec.  7,  1911),  and,  as  the  Sisters  have  deserved  very  well  of 
the  Catholic  youth  of  this  parish,  there  took  place  a  plain  but  heartfelt  celebra- 
tion. Very  Rev.  Provincial,  Benedict  Schmidt,  O.  F.  M.,  was  celebrant  at  the  sol- 
emn High  Mass  and  Rev.  Rector  Hugolinus  Storff,  O.  F.  M.,  of  St.  Joseph's  College, 
preached  the  formon  for  the  occasion.  Afterwards  the  Ladies  served  a  dinner  for 
the  Sisters.     Several  donations  were  made. 

In  1909,  a  concrete  block  wall  was  put  up  on  the  northwest  corner  of  the 
church  block  at  a  cost  of  $-525.00.  Mr.  Frank  Schultz  furnished  the  blocks.  After 
so  many  and  great  achievements  of  Rev.  Casimir,  we  need  not  wonder  that  he  was 
givei  a  fine  farewell  reception,  when  the  chapter  of  1912  transferred  him  to  St. 
Bernard,  Nebraska.  He  left  in  July.  FR.  THEODOSIUS  FLASSMEYER,  O.  F.  M., 
who  had  been  professor  and  subrector  at  St.  Joseph's  College  for  many  years, 
was  assigned  by  his  superiors  to  the  congregation  of  St.  Francis.  He  soon  in- 
stalled a  new  GAS  LIGHT  SYSTEM  (Mr.  Mathews  of  Chicago)  at  a  cost  of  $800.00, 
including  $150  00  for  labor.  Mr.  Ben  Weber  and  Brother  Ewald  Richardt,  O.  F.  M., 
put  in  the  pbint.  The  m.en  and  young  men  did  the  excavating  gratis. — The  Young 
Men's  Sodality  was  reorganized,  a  large  library  purchased  and  opened  in  Dec.  1912. 
A  young  men's  social  Club  was  organized.  On  Febr.  2,  1913,  the  Rev.  Chas. 
Brum.lave,  a  child  of  the  parish,  the  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Alex  Brumleve,  said  his 
first  Mass  in  his  native  town.  From  Oct.  3rd — 5th,  the  parishioners  had  an  op- 
portunity to  gain  the  jubilee  iinlulgence  granted  in  memory  of  the  peace  of  Em- 

—  101  — 


V 


percr   Constantine   the    Great   in    313    A.    M.     The   addition    to   the    Sisters'    School 
was  begun  in  the  year  1913  and  blessed  by  the  Rev.  Pastor  on  Jan.  11,  1914. 

REV.  THEODOSIl  S  PLASSMEYER,   O.  F.  M.,   (Aug.  1912— Aug.  2,   1921) 

The  new  pastor  installed  a  150  lights  Matthews  g'as-light  plant,  and  on  Dec. 
22,  the  lights  were  turned  on.  The  cost  including  labor  was  $800.00.  Rev.  Chas. 
Brumleve  ?aid  his  first  Mass  on  Febr.  2,  1913,  at  the  opening  of  Thirteen  Hours 
Adoration.  Miss  Carrie  Young  resigned  as  organist  and  Mr.  L.  Rieg  was  re- 
installed. The  fair  held  October  4,  5,  6,  netted  $850.00.  On  Nov.  24,  the  Young 
Men's  Sodality  was  reorganized.  The  Sodality  library  was  opened  a  few  weeks 
later.  With  the  aid  of  Prof.  H.  C.  Weirich,  Sr.  M.  Ethelberta,  and  the  County 
school  superintendent,  our  schools  were  reorganized  and  brought  to  a  high  standard 
of  efficiency  hitherto  unattained  in  this  community.  These  schools  are  now  recog- 
nized as  standard  schools.  The  high  school  was  also  reorganized  and  later  a  dis- 
trict High  School  formed,  and  joined  by  Green  Creek,  Bishop  Creek,  Island  Grove 
and  Lillyville.  Repeatedly  Father  Theodosius  invited  lecturers  on  agricultural 
subjects,  among  them  Brother  Leo  C.  S.  C,  of  Notre  Dame  University  Farm,  who 
made  an  epoch-making  address  on  soil  and  limestone,  etc. 

St.  Anthony's  Devotion  spread.  About  80 — 100  received  Holy  Communion  in 
1913  and  1914.  In  accordance  with  orders  from  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  the  finances 
of  the  parish  were  next  regulated  and  the  Sunday  collections  increased  very  much. 
The  pew  rent,  which  had  been  $3.50  per  seat  for  33  years,  when  Father  Dominic 
Florian  regulated  it,  vv^as  raised.  The  annual  house  collection  and  Fair,  which 
began  to  bring  about  $800.00,  provided  the  remaining  funds.  As  the  annual  ex- 
penses now  amount  to  about  $2300.00,  this  sum  had  to  be  provided  chiefly  by  rais- 
ing the  pew  rent  and  a  November  collection.  The  salary  of  the  pastor  is 
now  defrayed  from  the  pew  rent.  As  the  creamery  had  its  outlet  to  the  creek 
through  the  cemetery,  the  company  was  petitioned  to  redress  this  abuse.  It  was 
done  by  discontinuing  the  creamery.  In  December  1914,  the  floor  of  the  sanctuary 
was  replaced  by  a  new  double  floor;  a  new  green  carpet  and  red  runner  were  put  in. 
St.  Elizabeth  Sewing  Circle  and  St.  Mary's  Ladies'  Society  paid  for  this  improve- 
ment ($404.00).  In  1915,  Father  Theodosius  succeeded  in  getting  a  Catholic  den- 
tist, Mr.  J.  R.  Raney,  to  settle  here.  On  March  21,  1915,  a  Day  of  Prayer  for 
Peace  was  observed.  On  April  3rd,  the  new  chalice,  which  the  Young  Ladies  do- 
nated, arrived  from  Wm.  Rauscher  in  Fulda,  Germany.  It  cost  $200.00.  On  April 
26th,  a  new  piano  ($300  00)  was  installed  in  the  Society  Hall.  The  concrete  bridge 
in  the  cemetery  was  built  by  Mr.  H.  F.  Nuxoll.  The  price  was  $274.00.  On  Nov. 
2nd,  the  new  cemetery  fence  was  put  up  by  Weber  Bros,  ($175.00).  During  the 
war  Teutopolis  was  overrun  by  government  agents  to  ferret  out  German  plotters, 
which  were  supposed  to  exist  wherever  there  were  any  Germans  or  people  of  German 
descent.  Mr.  W.  H.  Kerrick,  of  Bloomington,  was  sent  by  the  Government  agent 
to  investigate  "the  most  dangerou.sly  pro-German  town  and  community  in  Illi- 
nois." Fr.  Theodosius  had  been  recommended  to  him  as  absolutely  loyal 
for  his  sermon  given  on  "Allegiance  to  our  flag,"  preached  soon  after  war  had 
been  declared  to  outline  for  the  people  the  line  of  conduct  now  that  war  had 
been  declared.  One,  who  had  been  denounced  as  a  suspect  had  left  the  state 
a  number  of  years  before  the  war  broke  out,  the  false  denunciations  came  un- 
doubtedly from  the  western  part  of  the  county.  Mr.  Kerrick  was  a  sensible  man, 
and  after  Fr.  Theodosius  had  shown  him  the  true  state  of  affairs,  the  agent  was 
highly  satisfied  with  the  spirit  that  prevailed  at  Teutopolis  and  claimed  that  our 
case  was  typical:  "Not  one  case  out  of  a  thousand  and  was  founded  on  facts  and 
that  the  parties  that  provoked  a  German-American  into  saying  something  out  of 

—  103  — 


the  way,  were  more  guilty  than  the  accused."  He  assured  Father  Theodosius  that 
he  would  send  to  Washington  the  "best  account  ever." — The  Spanish  flu  struck 
Teutopolis  towards  the  end  of  September.  Its  first  inroads  were  made  in  the 
schools.  By  October  1st,  one-third  of  the  children  were  missing.  On  October  3rd, 
the  schools  were  closed.  The  mission  to  be  held  from  Oct.  13 — 20,  1918,  had  to  be 
cancelled.  The  doctors  treated  about  500  cases  in  our  parish.  Possibly  100  did 
not  sand  for  a  doctor.  Whole  families  and  whole  neighborhoods  were  struck  down 
helpless.  What  made  conditions  worse  was  that  for  days  no  medical  aid  could 
be  procured  from  the  five  towTis,  Teutopolis,  Eff"ingham,  Sigel,  Montrose  and 
Dieterich.  This  was  toward  the  end  of  October.  Some  cf  the  doctors  had  been 
called  to  the  camps,  others  were  sick  themselves.  Relatives  and  friends  sometimes 
refused  to  care  for  the  patients  for  fear  of  contagion.  The  epidemic  spared  the 
pastor  and,  in  fact,  the  whole  monastery.  The  last  sacraments  were  administered 
to  some  20  persons:  nine  were  buried:  two  soldiers,  who  had  been  shipped  in,  three 
mothers;  two  young  ladies  and  two  babies.  The  quarantine  was  lifted  from  the 
church  on  Nov.  17th.  At  2:00  F.  M.  we  had  a  thanksgiving  service  with  "Grosser 
Gott.''  On  Nov.  3rd,  low  Mass  was  celebrated  outside  the  hall.  Fully  300  persons 
attended.     Schools  were  opened  again  on  Nov.  25th.     The  Geo.  Kitten  family  was 


REV.  HILDEBRAND  FUCHS,  0.  F.  M.       REV.  EUGENE  HAGEDORN,  0.  F.  M. 


especially  helpless  and  the  little  ones  were  taken  care  of  by  Mrs.  Herman  Vahling, 
Mrs.  C.  Siemer  and  the  Misses  Cath.  and  Emma  Meyers,  of  the  Telephone  Exchange. 
On  Dec.  28th  Rev.  Bernardine  Weis  celebrated  his  golden  jubilee  at  St.  Anthony's 
Hospital,  St.  Louis,  Mo.  Father  Theodosius  also  procured  the  artistic  new  church 
windows  and  fine  vestments.  The  triumph  of  St.  Francis  cost  $1000.00.  In 
March  1919,  the  flu  broke  out  again  more  viciously  than  ever  and  snatched  Mr.  and 
Mrs.  John  Kroeger  and  the  latter's  sister,  Miss  Lena  Probst.  On  Sept.  15th,  the 
Rev.  Pastor  underwent  an  operation  at  St.  Louis.  From  October  26 — Nov.  2,  1919, 
a  successful  mission  was  preached  by  Revs.  Titus  Hugger,  O.  F.  M.,  and  John 
Joseph  Brogger,  O.  F.  M. — In  April,  1921,  two  and  one-half  lots  north  of  Joseph 
Buehnerkempe  were  purchased  by  the  pastor  for  the  sum  of  $1,200.00.     They  are 

—  104  — 


to  serve  as  a  play-ground  for  the  school  chikhen.  Later  the  1-2  lot  of  Mrs.  Brxmi- 
leve  was  also  acquired.  On  June  2,  the  five  o'clock  Mass  was  eliminated;  it  was 
later  on  reintroduced  witli  the  consent  of  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop. 

On  May  —  Rev.  Father  Theodosius  celebrated  his  silver  sacerdotal  jubilee 
at  Teutopolis.  July  2,  1923,  the  proper  date,  he  spent  at  his  native  place  with  his 
relatives.     On  August  2,  Father  Theodosius  departed  for  Waterloo,  Iowa. 

REV.  BARTHOLOMAEUS  FELDMANN,  O.  F.  M.,  (Aug.  1921— July  1922) 

He  came  fion-;  St.  Augustine's  Church,  Chicago.  He  introduced  two  German 
sermons  a  month  for  the  older  people's  sake.  Father  Bartholomew  also  installed 
electric  lights  into  the  church.     After  a  year  he  was  sent  again  to  Chicago,  and 

REV.    HILDEGRAND    FUCHS,    O.    F.    M.,    (July    1924— January    192.5) 

was  the  next  pastor.  After  six  month's  stay  the  superiors  granted  his  request 
and  sent  him  to  another  sphere  of  activity.  As  his  successor  the  superiors  ap- 
pointed the  former  assistant  and  present  Guai'dian  of  the  local  monastery 

REV.  ISIDORE  FOSSELMAN,  O.  F.  M.,  (January  1925— up  to  the  present) 

Ee  began  to  m.ake  preparations  for  the  impending  diamond  jubilee  of  the 
present  St.   Francis'   Church.     The  whole  church  edifice  was  thoroughly   renovated 


REV.  MAX  KLOTZBUCHER,  O.  F.  M. 


VERY  REV.  COM.  PROV.  KILIAN 
SCHLOESSER,    O.    F.    M. 


by  Mr.  Michael  Derleth,  of  Indianapolis,  Indiana;  the  organ  was  remodeled  and 
electrified,  and  the  altars,  communion  rail  and  statues  repainted  and  regilded  by 
Mr.  Max  Garisch,  an  artist  from  Techny,  Illinois.  A  very  successful  mission  was 
preached  from  Feb.  14—21,  by  Rev.  P.  P.  Honoratus  Bonzelet,  0.  F.  M.  and  Rev. 
Fr.  Peter  Crumbly,  0.  F.  M.  A  Diamond  Jubilee  Book  was  prepared  by  Rev. 
Fr.  Eugene,  0.  F.  M. 

—  105  — 


ASSISTANT  PRIESTS 

For  nzan'j  years  St.  Francis'  Church  had  no  regular  assistant.  Many  of  the 
Fathers,  however,  especially  the  MASTERS  OF  NOVICES:  Rev.  Killian  Schloes- 
ser,  Mathias  Hilterman,  Francis  Moenning,  Damasus  Ruesing-,  Ludger  Glauber, 
Roger  Middendorf,  Aurelius  Bruegge,  Gregory  Knepper  and  John  Ilg — and  the 
LECTOES:  Rev.  Fathers  Hubert,  Eugene  Puers,  Francis  Haase,  Francis  Albers, 
etc.,  and  some  of  the  college  professors  frequently  lend  their  lielp. 


REV.   ISIDORE   FOSSELMANN,   O.    F.   M.,   PRESENT   PASTOR 

Among  the  ASSISTANTS  we  may  mention:  Rev.  Anselm  Puetz,  Eustace 
Brueggemann,  Isidore  Fosselmann,  John  Joseph  Brogger,  Cyrinus  Schneider,  Mar- 
cellas  Bushlmann,  Eusebius  Helle,  Herman  Joseph  Fister,  Othmar  Bsrthieaume, 
Peter  Pfeifer,  Eonaventure  Alerding,  Ephrem  Muench  and  Maximilian  Klotzbucher. 

May  Gcd  rev/ard  all,  pastors  and  assistants,  for  the  good  work  they  have 
accompL'shcd  in  behalf  of  immoital  souls  and  for  the  glory  of  God,  with  life 
eteJTial.     Air.en. 

—  106  — 


ORDINATIONS   AT   TEUTOPOLIS,   ILLINOIS 

Sept.  14,  1862 — Diaconate  was  administered  to  Anselm  Mueller  and  the  priest- 
hood conferred  upon  FF.  Nazarius  Kommerscheid.— On  Dec.  19,  1862,  Fr.  Anselm 
and  Aloisius  Wiev.-er  were  raised  to  the  dignity  of  the  priesthood. 

On  Januaiy  9,  1867,  FF.  Dominic  Droessler,  Francis  :\Ioenning,  Gerard  Becher, 
Ambrose  Jansenn,  Eustace  Niemoeller  and  Sebastian  Kleekam  received  the  Tonsure. 

On  Jan.  9,  1867,  the  first  three  also  received  Minor  Orders;  on  January  10, 
1867,  the  same  three  were  made  Subdeacons;  on  January  11,  they  were  made  dea- 
cons; on  January  13,  1867  they  were  ordained  to  the  priesthood. — On  February  7, 
1878:  Fr.  Michael  Richardt  was  ordained  deacon  and  on  the  same  day  Meinolphus 
Schmitz,  Alardus  Andrescheck  were  ordained  priest. 


m^^ 


KEMIuE  OR  MAPLE  GROVE  SCHOOL 


PARISHES  ONCE  ATTENDED  F?.0:M    IEUTOPOLIS 


Green    Creek    - 1S5S— BID:! 

Effing-ham  1858—1871 

St.  Patrick's,  Trowbridge  1862—1888 

Bishop   Creek 1863 — now 

St.  Elmo   (Howard's  Spoint)    1863-188:; 

Odin   1865—1870 

Kinmundy 1866—1879 

Sigel  ._....' 1866—1888 

Spring   Point    18 


Piopolis    (Mt.    St.   John's;    ....1859—1870 

Pocahont?.s    1870—1878 

Gree-viUe   1870—1878 

Pesotum     1876—1884 

Shumway  and  Stewardson  ....1879 — 1888 

Island    Grove   187—192— 

Dieteiich   1905 

Casey 


VISITED  OCCASIONALLY  OR  ATTENDED  TEMPORARILY 

Marshall,  Vandalia,  Flora,  Watson,  Mason,  Tonti,  Farina,  Centralia,  Radom 
and  Salem,  etc. 

At  present  St.  Aloysius  Church  at  Bishop  Creek  and  St.  Rose  of  Lima  Church 
of  Montrose  are  atten-'.ed  from  the  Monastery  and  St.  Chailes  Church,  Casey,  is 
attended  by  one  of  the  Fathers  from  the  College. 

—  107  — 


o 


H 
M 

o 

(—1 

> 

:^ 
o 


CHAPTER  III. 

Biographies  of  Pastors  of  the  Parish 


REV.  FRANCIS  JOSEPH  (xMAURICE)  MASQUELET 

Rev.  Francis  Joseph  (Maurice)  Masquelet,  whose  name  is  the  first  in  the 
records  of  Teutopolis  parish,  was  a  native  of  Gabville,  near  Strassburg  in  Alsace, 
where  he  saw  the  light  of  day  in  1795.  After  making  his  studies  in  the  neigh- 
boring episcopal  see,  he  was  ordained.  In  1833  he  is  mentioned  as  the  assistant 
of  the  Rev.  Carl  Bonaventure  McGuire  at  Pittsburg,  then  under  the  jurisdiction  of 
Philadelphia.  As  dissensions  broke  out  between  Germans  and  Irish,  Father  Masque- 
let  thought  it  better  to  establish  a  separate  church  for  the  Germans  whose  lan- 
guage he  spoke  fluently  despite  his  French  name.  He  bought  and  fitted  up  an  old 
factory;  but  when  the  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  came  to  consecrate  it  and  saw  the  adjoin- 
ing buildings,  making  it  unworthy  to  be  a  house  of  God,  he  refused  to  dedicate 
that  building.  Deeply  offended  and  at  odds  wi;h  his  assistant.  Rev.  IStahl,  he  and 
the  latter  left  the  diocese.  Cincinnati  seems  to  have  been  the  next  field  of  his 
labors.  He  is  said  thence  to  have  attended  many  small  missions.  In  1839,  the 
directory  mentions  him  in  connection  with  St.  Martins,  near  Fayetteville.  Per- 
haps it  was  here  that  the  German  Land  Company  engaged  his  services  for  the 
colony  at  Teutopolis.  November  26th,  we  find  him  at  this  place  and  boarding  for 
several  months  at  Gannoway's  tavern,  about  two  miles  west  of  Teutopolis.  He 
must  have  traveled  about  to  visit  other  missions.  In  1840  Rev.  F.  Czackert,  C.  SS. 
R.,  is  mentioned  as  pastor  of  Ste  Marie  (Picquet's  Settlement),  111.,  and  as  at- 
tending Teutopolis  also.  ,Then  we  again  find  Father  Masquelet  baptizing  alternate- 
ly here  until  he  disappears  from  the  records  about  October  1842.  For  a  short 
time.  Father  Masquelet,  who  was  received  into  the  diocese  of  Vincennes  in  1840, 
was  pastor  at  Ste  Marie  and  Teutopolis.  Cauthorn  gives  as  his  first  place  in  Illinois 
as  ]Mulberry.  Where  this  place  is,  I  do  not  know.  But  Mr.  Ferd.  Nacke,  who  mar- 
ried into  the  Masquelet  family,  told  us  in  1900,  that  the  parents  of  Father  Masquelet 
had  lived  for  a  time  in  a  farm  near  Greenup,  whence  he  attended  both  Ste.  Marie 
and  Teutopolis.  Later  on  he  brought  his  parents  and  the  rest  of  the  family  to 
Teutopolis  where  his  father  and  mother  died.  The  latter  burned  to  death  ana 
was  buried  by  Rev.  Jos.  Kuenster  in  December  1845.  From  Teutopolis,  Father 
Masquelet  went  to  Oldenburg,  where  he  stayed  about  three  months.  Afterwards 
he  labored  among  the  Germans  at  New  Orleans  (Lafayette  and  Algiers,  La.).  In 
1855  and  probably  in  1866  he  paid  a  visit  to  Teutopolis,  the  last  time,  to  dispose 
of  his  property  here.  He  seems  to  have  come  from  Alsace  and  returned  thither 
and  expired  at  his  native  place  in  1873. 

REV.  CHARLES  JOSEPH  OPPERMANN 

Rev.  Chas.  Joseph  Oppermann,  who  c,ame  repeatedly  to  Teutopolis,  and  wrote 
the  letter  quoted  at  the  end  of  "GLIMPSES  OF  PIONEER  LIFE,"  was  a  native 
of  the  Eichsfeld,  being  bom  at  Duderstadt,  Hannover,  Prussia,  at  the  end  of  the 
18th  century.  After  making  his  classical  studies  at  Goettingen  and  his  higher 
studies  in  a  Paris  seminary,  where  he  was  at  the  same  time  employed  in  teaching, 
he  w^as  induced  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Hailandiere  to  come  to  Indiana.  There  he  was 
ordained  to  the  priesthood  on  June  5,  lS41.  On  account  of  his  eminent  qualifica- 
tions he  again  taught  both  before  and  after  his  ordination.     He  signs  himself  at 

—  109  — 


Teutopolis  as  Rector  of  the  Seminary  of  Vincennes.  In  1843,  he  was  sent  to 
Oldenburg,  Indiana,  succeeding  Father  Masquelet  there.  He  also  aided  Mi'. 
John  Mueller  in  founding  the  parish  at  Laneville.  Later  on  he  assisted  in  the 
care  of  the  Germans  at  Evansville.  Compelled  by  ill  health,  he  went  south  and 
died  soon  after. 

REV.  JOHN  AUG.  VABRET 

Rev.  John  Aug.  Vabret  was  the  first  rector  of  St.  Gabriel's  College  at  Vin- 
cennes and  had  come  over  with  a  number  of  Eudist  Fathers  at  the  reques:  of  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop  Biute  from  Rennes,  France.  In  1842  Father  Bellier  succeeded  him 
on  the  rectorship.  Their  General  caused  them  to  relinquish  the  colleg'^  in  1845 
and  retire  to  Louisiana.  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Biaite  made  over  to  him  absolutely  all 
hi^'  estate  both  PERSONAL  and  REAL,  and  he  conveyed  it  to  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop 
Hailandiere.— Cfr.  Cauthorn,  St.  Francis'  Cathedral  of  Vincennes,  18!)2,  p.  175-176. 

REV.  JOSEPH  KUENSTER 

Rev.  Joseph  Kuenster,  who  signs  himself  "the  first  resident  pastor,"  is  a 
priest  of  whose  youth  little  is  known,  except  thai:  he  was  born  at  Dueblich,  Germany. 
I  am  told  that  He  had  been  a  soldier  and  knew  how  to  handle  horses.  He  was  or- 
dained by  Bishop  P.  R.  Kenrick  on  Aug.  15,  1842,  together  with  Rev.  Thomas 
Cusack  and  Rev.  P.  McCabe.  In  Nov.  1842,  he  was  appointed  the  first  resident 
pastor  of  Belleville.  Despite  discouraging  conditions,  he  built  a  church  and  said 
Mass  in  it  on  Christmas  day.  Refusing  to  admit  a  fallen  away  Catholic  as  spon- 
sor, he  was  vilified  and  waylaid  and  kept  a  prisoner  for  a  day  in  an  abandoned 
house  till  a  passing  American  freed  him.  His  next  parish  was  that  of  St.  Peter's 
at  Teutopolis,  where  he  was  successful.  In  August  1850  he  came  to  Quincy  .and 
showed  heroic  devotion  to  the  numerous  cholera  patients.  Oftentimes  for  weeks, 
he  did  not  lay  aside  his  clothes  in  order  to  be  ready  to  prepare  some  soul  for  its 
passage  to  eternity.  He  organized  an  orphan  society,  for  the  parentless  children, 
completed  the  tower,  built  a  school,  etc.  When  cxhau.;ted  after  such  labors,  the 
Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  sent  him  an  assistant,  it  was  too  late.  Father  Kuenster  went  to 
his  reward  Sept.  15,  1857.  A  fine  monument  marks  his  last  resting  place  in  St. 
Boniface  cemetery. 

Once  Father  Kuenster  was  called  upon  by  the  Bishop  to  pay  his  cathedraticum. 
He  paid  it  to  the  astonishment  of  all  by  carrying  a  goose  and  a  gander  across 
the  prairie.  But  the  good  pastor  saw  nothing  funny  in  it,  as  he  got  his  salary 
chiefly,  if  not  exclusively,  in  kind;  for  there  was  little  or  no  money  in  the  colony. 
But  gradually  Fr.  Kuenster's  flock  of  geese  increased  and  so  did  the  possessions 
of  his  parishioners." — (Rev.  Father  Larmer.) 

REV.  FRANCIS  JOSEPH   FISCHER 

Rev.  Francis  Joseph  Fischer  was  born  in  Alsace.  He  was  among  the  celebrated 
party  of  clerics  who  came  at  the  same  time  as  Rev.  Bessonies,  Audran,  Gueguen,  etc. 
He  was  in  minor  orders,  when  he  embarked  at  Havre  on  October  21st  of  tne  same 
year.  He  was  ordained  priest  on  September  19th,  1840.  After  ser/ing  as  un  as- 
sistant to  Father  St.  Palais  at  St.  Mary's,  Chicago,  he  accompanied  Father  St. 
Palais  to  Logansport,  Ind.,  when  Bishop  Quarter  came  to  Chicago  and  his  own 
Ordinary  recalled  him  to  Vincennes.  He  labored  again  at  the  Cathedral,  Vincen- 
nes, at  Madison  (1848),  and,  after  leaving  the  diocese  in  1850,  he  had  charge,  for 
a  time,  of  Ste  Marie,  Jasper  County,  till  1850.  He  also  ministered  to  Teutopolis 
which  he  visited  repeatedly.     He  also  was  pastor  of  Highland,  111. 

—  110  — 


Discouraged  with  affairs,  he  returned  to  Alsace  where  he  wn-;  in  charge  of  a 

parish  in  .     When  Fr.  J.  Virnich  called  at  the  parsonage,  he  was  not  at  home. 

(Hy.  S.  Cauthorn,  L.  c.  p.  217-218.) 

REV.  JOSEPH  ZOEGEL 

Rev.  Joseph  Zoegel  was  sent  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Van  de  Velde  to  replace  the 
Rev.  Kuenster.  He  had  lately  arrived  from  Alsace  (D.  of  Strassburg).  He  left 
Teutopolis  about  1854,  and,  for  a  time,  was  pastor  of  St.  Michael's  Church  in  Chi- 
cago. In  1860,  he  was  stationed  at  Langford,  N.  Y.  Of  his  later  career  we  could 
not  find  a  sure  record. 

REV.  CHARLES  RAPHAEL 

Rev.  Chas.  Raphael  was  born  at  La  Rochette  in  Luxemborg  on  Nov.  3,  1826. 
He  came  to  America  in  1853  and  was  raised  to  the  sacerdotal  dignity  probably 
at  Chicago  by  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Van  de  Velde  on  June  10,  1854.  The  young  priest 
was  given  charge  of  Teutopolis  (July  1854 — Nov.  1856.)  He  also,  sometimes,  vis- 
ited Bishop  Creek.  Later  he  labored  at  Millstadt  and  Mascoutah,  in  Brussels, 
where  he  built  a  log  church  now  called  St.  Michael's.  In  1866  he  was  in  charge 
of  Summit  Springs,  at  St.  Marie,  Butler  Co.,  Pa.,  and  finally,  he  acted  as  chap- 
lain of  the  Good  Shepherd   Convent  at  Milwaukee.     He  died  about   1900. 

REV.  H.   LIERMANN 

Rev.  H.  Liermann  hailed  from  Vornhein,  Muenster,  Germany.  He  was  ordained 
priest,  Nov.  18,  1850,  and  came  to  Chicago.  In  1851,  he  was  appointed  pastor  of 
Centen'ille.  He  was  pastor  of  Teutopolis  (Nov.  1856— Jan.  1,  1857.)  From  1861— 
March  1865,  we  find  him  at  McHenry  then  at  St.  Nicholas  parish  at  Aurora,  till  1879, 
when  he  went  to  St.  Mary's  parish  at  Rock  Island,  where  he  died  after  eight  years 
of  faithful  services,  in   1888. 

REV.  CHARLES  ZUCKER 

Rev.  Chas.  Zucker  was  ordained  to  the  priesthood  on  Nov.  7,  1851  by  the  Rt. 
Rev.  Bishop  Van  De  Velde  in   St.  Joseph's  Church  at     Chicago.     After     being     in 

charge  of  Naperville  parish  from  Nov.  1853 ,  he  was  assigned  to  Teutopolis, 

but  left  after  three  weeks  for  Chicago. 

REV.   THOMAS    FRAUENHOFER 

Rev.  Thomas  Frauenhofer,  a  native  of  Pffenhausen,  Bavaria,  was  born  on  Dec. 
6,  1817.  Ordained  to  the  priesthood  in  July,  1844,  he  labored  almost  eight 
years  in  his  native  diocese.  On  May  19,  1852.  he  came  to  America  and  affiliated 
with  the  diocese  of  Chicago.  In  1856,  he  came  to  reside  at  Green  Creek  and  attended 
Effingham  as  a  mission.  Repeatedly  he  looked  after  the  spiritual  wants  of 
orphaned  Teutopolis.  His  publicanda  and  chronicle  of  Mary  Help  of  Christians 
Church  has  become  famous.  They  are  neatly  composed  and  exhaustive.  At 
times,  he  visited  Decatur  to  minister  to  the  German  Catholics,  thus  laying  the 
foundation  of  the  present  strong  congregation.  When  in  the  year  1858,  about 
Christmas,  he  relinquished  Green  Creek  to  the  Franciscan  Fathers,  he  was 
appointed  to  Johnsburg,  (D.  of  Rockport),  Dec.  1858 — Dec.  1860;  then  was  as- 
signed to  Lourdes,  (Peoria),  and,  finally,  he  joined  the  Diocese  of  Dubuque.  In 
1867,  he  was  in  charge  of  Sherrill's  Mount,  and  later  on,  of  Petersburg.  He  died 
at  the  Alexian  Brothers  Hospital,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  in  1870  or  1871. 

—  Ill  — 


REV.  JOS.  H.  FORTMANN 

Rev.  Jos.  H.  Fortmann  was  born  Febr.  13,  1801,  and  ordained  at  the  Barrens 
Seminary,  Diocese  of  ISt.  Louis,  Mo.,  on  Nov.  1,  1837.  He  labored  at  Apple  Creek, 
Mo.,  was  the  resident  priest  at  Germantown,  (Shoal  Creek),  pastor  at  Highland, 
111.,  where  he  built  a  church.  May  1,  1844.  Rev.  Joseph  Kuenster  of  Teutopolis, 
celebrated  the  first  Mass  in  this  church. 

REV.  BARTHOLOMEW  BARTELS 

Rev.  Bartholomew  Bartels  was  the  last  pastor  at  Teutopolis  from  the  ranks 
of  the  secular  clergy.  He  was  a  native  of  Cleve  on  the  Rhine,  where  he  was  born  on 
March  10,  1823.  After  studying  at  Cleve,  Cologne,  Bonn,  and  Muenster,  he  was 
ordained  to  the  dignity  of  the  priesthood  by  Archbishop  Melchers  on  May  29,  1847. 
After  11  years,  he  left  his  native  diocese  and,  in  spring  1858,  he  placed  himself 
at  the  disopsal  of  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Juncker  of  Alton,  who  sent  him  to  Teutopolis. 
He  next  labored  at  Quincy;  Ste  Marie  (Jasper  Co.);  Freeburg,  1860;  Millstadt, 
1861 — '65;  Highland,  2  1-2  years;  Germantown,  16  years;  retired  to  Quincy  for 
six  years,  again  assumed  active  work  at  Bartelso,  wliere  he  accomplished  much, 
and  peacefully  slept  away  on  May  4,  1894. 

Father  Bartels  was  "a  knotty,  blunt  and  rugged  character.  Fearless  and  ag- 
gressive, he  hewed  his  way  through  life.  Like  many  other  priests  of  pioneer  days 
he  learned  many  a  lesson  in  the  school  of  adversity,  disappointment,  and  failure.'' 
Undaunted,  he  stubbornly  cleared  away  obstacles  and  fearlessly  followed  the  path 
of  du4^y,  without  catering  to  the  favor  of  a  fickle  world.  Father  Bartels  was  very 
conservative  and  known  as  a  great  financier.  His  savings  he  invested  in  the  beau- 
tiful church,  school,  and  cemetery.  He  also  saved  the  daily  "America"  from  finan- 
cial embarrassment,  disgrace  and  ruin,  thus  deserving  the  gratitude  of  all  German 
Catholics  of  these  parts.''^Zurbonsen,  "Bead  Roll." 


REV.  DAMIAN  (JOSEPH)  HENNEWIG,  O.  F.  M. 
Founder  of  S.  Heart  Province  and  Teutopolis  Monastery 

Rev.  Damian  (Joseph)  Hennewig,  O.  F.  M. — who  founded  the  FranciscaJi 
Province  of  the  Sacred  Heart  of  Jesus  and  the  Monastery  at  Teutopolis,  was  born 
Feb.  18,  1808,  in  (Kirchspiel),  Haltern,  Bauerschaft  Holtwich,  in  Westphalia, 
Germany.  Being  of  frail  constitution  and  delicate  health,  he  quit  sc,hool  with  a 
rather  mediocre  education.  Already  in  his  early  youth  he  showed  signs  of  talent 
for  music  and  played  the  flute.  His  gait  was  heavy  and  one  of  his  shoulders  higher 
than  the  other.  Realizing  that  Joseph  was  unfit  for  hard  manual  labor,  his  par- 
ents destined  him  for  the  linen  trade  and  apprenticed  him  to  a  weaver  of  linen. 
He  was  not  slow  in  learning,  and,  being  very  ambitious,  was  not  satisfied  as  a  mere 
linen  weaver,  but  also  devoted  considerable  time  and  energy  to  learn  to  weave 
artistic  designs  for  bedding  such  as  the  Warendorf  weavers  made.  He  became 
quite  proficient  in  both.  His  spare  moments  he  devoted  to  music.  The  teacher 
at  Haltern  gave  him  lessons  on  the  piano  and  the  organ.  Later  on  he  made  his 
home  with  his  married  sister  at  Dorsten  and  aimed  at  still  greater  proficiency  in 
weaving  and  music. 

His  intimate  association  with  the  Rev.  Grothues  at  Dorsten  was  of  great 
benefit  to  the  ambitious  young  man.  He  became  organist  and  occ,asionally  pre- 
sided at  the  organ  in  the  local  Franciscan  Church.  Tho,  by  this  time,  well  able 
to  earn  his  living,  nevertheless,  he  aspired  to  becoming  a  teacher  and  successfully 
completed  a  two  year's  course  at  the  (Normal)  Teachers'  Seminary  at  Langen- 
horst.     He   soon   obtained  a  position   as   teacher  at  Hohenholte   and,  at  first,  felt 

—  112  — 


happy  and  contented.  In  his  leisure  hours  he  busied  himself  with  the  making  of 
silk  and  the  study  of  Latin.  In  1844,  the  school  board  at  Haltern  engaged  him 
to  teach  the  boys  of  the  highest  class.  He  held  this  position  till  1850  to  the  satis- 
faction of  all.  Encouraged  and  aided  by  several  priests,  he  continued  the  study 
of  Latin  and  also  took  up  sacred  theology  since  he  felt  called  to  the  holy  priest- 
hood. Thru  the  efforts  of  the  Rev.  Paul  Melchers,  Vice-Rector  of  the  Priests' 
Seminary  at  Muenster,  he  was  received  into  this  Institution  on  April  18,  1850. 
He  was  ordained  priest  on  August  17,  of  the  same  year.  For  a  shoi't  time  he  as- 
.  sisted  his  Rev.  brother,  who  was  pastor  at  Billerb?ck,  as  catechist  and  organist. 
The  young  priest  soon  conceived  the  desire  to  serve  God  in  the  Order  of  St. 
Francis.  Consequently,  having  first  donated  his  furniture  and  other  belongings 
to  the  recently  erected  Hospital  at  Haltern,  he  donned  the  rough  brown  garb  of 
the  Seraphic  Saint  at  Warendorf  on  March  6,  1851.  At  his  investment  he  received 
the  name  of  Damian.  Father  Damian  was  a  most  conscientious  Religious  and 
scrupulously  observed  the  Rule  and  Constitutions  of  his  Order  until  his  death  on 
Dec.  12,  1865.  Great  was  his  love  for  prayer.  He  was  most  punctual  in  attending 
the  choir  service  both  day  and  night,  even  after  exhausting  labors  and  late  study- 
ing. With  great  zeal  and  success  he  labored  in  the  confessional;  extraordinary  was 
his  love  of  mortification.  He  evidently  sought  to  copy  his  Seraphic  Father.  Soon 
after  P.  Damian  was  made  Praeses  at  Warendorf  and  later  Guardian  of  the  large 
monastery  at  Paderborn  and  Vice-Provincial  of  the  Province  of  the  Holy  Cross. 
Recalled  to  Warendorf,  he  met  there  Rt.  Rev.  H.  D.  Juncker,  the  first  Bishop  of 
Alton,  who  was  seeking  missionaries  for  his  struggling  diocese.  When  asked, 
whether  he  would  take  charge  of  the  American  Mission,  P.  Damian  replied:  "If 
I  can  be  of  any  use,  I  am  ready." — In  August,  1858,  he  set  out  with  Fathers  Capis- 
tran  Zrvinge  and  Servatius  Altmicks  and  six  brothers.  At  Teutopolis  Father  Da- 
mian labored  most  zealously  in  the  vineyard  entrusted  to  his  care.  When  he 
wrung  his  hands  and  told  the  people:  "We  still  need  this,"  he  was  never  refused. 
When  his  term  was  up,  he  toog  charge  of  Green  Creek  till  Father  Mathias,  owing 
to  some  misunderstanding  with  the  Rt.  Rev.  Ordinary,  left  for  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  when 
Father  Damian  once  more  assumed  charge  and  spent  his  last  strength  in  behalf  of 
his  beloved  Teutopolitans.  For  ten  months  the  wasting  disease  preyed  on  him 
On  his  death-bed  he  advised  his  brethren  faithfully  to  observe  the  rule,  zealously 
to  strive  after  perfection,  especially  recommending  mditation  on  the  Passion  and 
Death  of  our  Divine  Redeemer  and  the  Way  of  the  Cross,  which  he  had  made 
daily.  On  Dec.  12,  1865,  he  gave  back  his  pious  soul  into  the  hands  of  his  Creator. 
Rev.  Killian  speaks  of  no  soul  in  his  charge  having  been  lost  through  Fr.  Damian 
fault.  The  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  Juncker  hastened  to  officiate  at  the  obsequies  and 
delivered  the  funeral  sermon.  The  first  Franciscan  superior  was  the  first  to  be 
buried  in  the  newly  erected  mortuary  chapel.     His  memory  is  in  benediction. 

REV.  MATHIAS   HILTKRMANN,  O.  F.  M. 

Rev.  Mathias  Hiltermann,  0.  F.  M.  was  born  at  Iburg  in  Hannover,  on  February 
12,  1812.  After  his  ordination  to  the  priesthood  he  acted  for  a  number  of  years  as 
chaplain  of  the  Duke  of  Arenberg  at  Brussels,  Belgium.  Afterwards  he  took  up  pas- 
toral work  in  East  PMesland,  in  the  so-called  Diaspora,  in  places  where  since  the 
great  Protestant  Revolution  of  the  yVI.  Century  there  had  been  no  or  few  Catho- 
lics and  no  priest.  Appointed  to  the  newly  erected  church  aA  Weener,  he  labored 
there  for  13  years  with  indefatigable  zeal  amid  difficult  conditions.  He  not  only 
knew  how  to  train  a  good  congregation  hut  also  provided  for  the  erection  of  schools 
and  a  well  furnished  House  of  God.  Innumerable  were  the  indignities  the  man  of 
God  suffered  both  at  the  hands  of  Protestants  and  at  those  of  apostate  or  lukewarm 
Catholics.     To  erect  several  churches  and  schools,  he  went  to  collect  a  considerable 

—  11.3  — 


sum  of  money  in  Holland.  His  charity  knew  no  bounds.  He  finally  carried  out 
his  plan  of  serving  God  more  unreservedly  in  the  Order  of  the  Friars  Minor.  After 
his  novitiate  and  profession  at  Warendorf  he  was,  after  the  lapse  of  a  year,  ap- 
pointed to  the  responsible  office  of  Master  of  Novices.  This  office  he  discharged 
very  creditably  until  in  1862  his  superiors  sent  him  instead  of  the  Very  Rev.  Greg- 
cry  Janknecht,  0.  F.  ]\L,  to  North  America  as  Commissary  Provincial  of  the  twol 
foundations  of  the  Saxonia  there.  The  SONNTAGSBLATT,  of  May  17,  paid  the 
emigran;  friar  the  following  tribute.  "Beloved  by  his  parishioners  which  he  left 
only  to  enter  an  Order  and  known  and  revered  even  more  widely  on  account  of  his 
piety,  the  prayers  of  many  will  follow  him  and  we  are  convinced  that  whithersoever 
the  orders  of  his  superiors  will  send  him,  the  blessing  of  God  will  ever  accompany 
his  untirinp;  zeal  joined  to  a  childlike  disposition  and  to  a  heart  full  of  the  love  of 
God,  and  of  hi-^  fellowman.  If  respect  for  the  humble  disposition  did  not  prevent 
us  we  should  take  pleasure  in  showing  by  single  examples  of  the  pastoral 
activity  of  this  ma  i  th.it  one  has  no  need  of  reading  Victor  Hugo's  "LES  MISER- 
ABLES"  to  find  genuine  apostolic  simplicity, — we  should  find  beautiful  traits  of 
generosity  and  self-denial  cf  even  the  necessities  for  the  benefit  of  one's  neighbor  in 
the  life  of  this  simple  priest." 

On  May  7,  1862,  he,  with  three  clerics,  Nazarius,  Anselm  Mueller,  Aloysius,  and 
one  candidate,  left  Warendorf  and  arrived  at  Teutopolis  on  June  10th.  He  at  once 
took  up  with  great  zeal  his  duties  as  Commissary  Provincial,  as  Master  of  Novices 
and  as  pastor  of  the  local  parish.  He  always  took  the  greatest  interest  in  the  work 
of  the  Holy  Childhood.  On  May  10,  1864,  he  was  succeeded  as  Commissary  by  the 
Very  Rev.  Killian  Schlcesser.  In  1869  he  was  appointed  one  of  the  Discreets  of  the 
Commissariate,  Made  vicar  of  the  St.  Louis  Convent,  he,  nevertheless,  devoted  his 
attention  chiefly  to  the  missions.  When  setting  out  for  a  mission  he  fell  and  hurt 
himself.  Despite  intense  pain,  he  preached  the  entire  mission  and  heard  all  the 
confessions.  Upon  his  return  home,  the  doctor's  examination  showed  several  brok- 
en ribs.  As  a  result  he  ever  after  suffered  intensely  and  was  mostly  confined  to 
his  bed.  He  fell  asleep  in  the  Lord  on  April  25,  1883,  just  prior  to  a  Triduum 
preached  by  the  Saintly  abbot  Frowin  Conrad  of  Conception,  Mo.  The  latter  opened 
the  Triduum  with  the  following  words:  "I  came  here  to  speak  of  two 
saints  and  behold,  a  third  one  has  associated  himself  with  them.  "Some  remarkable 
cures  are  attributed  to  P.  Tdathias  by  the  people:  thus  ihe  cure  of  an  incurable  boy 
at  Millstadt,  111.  Father  Mathias  was  indeed  a  model  priest  and  religious,  excelling 
by  his  spirit  cf  prayer,  humility,  self-denial,  and  mollification.  He  was  untiring  in 
his  priestly  office. 

REV.  DOMINIC  FLORIAN 

Rev.  Dominic  FlorJan  was  a  native  of  Ziegenhals,  in  Germany.  Henry  Florian, 
this  was  Father  Dominic's  secular  nam.e,  was  born  on  March  15,  1837.  After  he 
had  completed  the  elementary  school,  he  was  sent  by  his  good  parents  Frances 
Xavier  Florian  and  Bertha  Margraf  to  a  school  of  Agnculture.  As  a  young  man 
he  took  the  position  of  an  economist  Verwalter  or  manager  of  a  large  estate  of  a 
wealthy  land-owner.  But  scon,  tired  of  earthly  wealth,  Henry  applied  at  the  age 
of  thirty-three  for  admission  to  the  Order  of  St.  Francis.  He  was  invested 
in  Warendorf  on  March  19,  1870.  The  young  novice  was  then  made  head  of  a 
band  of  four  religious  brothers,  who  were  to  be  sent  as  recruits  to  the  American 
missions.  They  all  arrived  in  New  York  on  May  31,  1870.  They  were  the  Tertiary 
Brothers  Fridolin  Hemstegger,  Lambert  Igelhorst  (professed).  Otto  Appelt  and 
Dominic  Rheidt  (novices).  A  year  later,  on  March  20,  1871,  Fr.  Dominic  made 
his  pi'ofession  in  Teutopolis.  After  finishing  his  studies  in  Quincy  and  St.  Louis, 
he  was  ordained  priest  in  St.  Louis  on  April  19,  1874,  two  days  after  his  solemn 

—  114  — 


profession.  His  first  sphere  of  activity  was  Sigel,  Illinois.  But  already  in  1879 
he  was  elected  Guardian  and  pastor  in  Teutopolis.  After  two  years  he  was  ap- 
pointed pastor  and  praeses  of  Columbus  where  he  remained  but  a  year.  Then 
after  another  year  in  St.  Louis  he  was  sent  to  Chaska.  The  following  13  years 
were  spent  in  Minnesota;  for  nine  years  he  attended  Waconia  from  Chaska  (1883- 
1892)  and  for  four  years  St.  Benedict's  parish  from  Jordan  (1892-96). 

In  1896  he  returned  to  Teutopolis  monaster^'  but  already  in  the  following  year 
he  was  transferred  to  Washington,  Mo.  His  sojourn  here  was  also  very  short, 
sinc,e  in  December  1898  he  was  made  assistant  at  Joliet.  For  ten  years  he  worked 
faithfully  at  the  side  of  Father  Polycarp  until  in  December  1908,  Fr.  Dominic  was 
made  praeses  of  Washington,  Mo.  In  July  1912,  he  came  back  to  Joliet  where 
he  devoted  his  last  strength  to  the  penitents  who  flocked  to  his  confessional.  Finally 
his  hearing  began  to  fail  and  he  was  compelled  to  withdraw  from  his  last  activity. 
With  age  other  infirmities  set  in  and  they  obliged  him  several  months  before  his 
end  to  retire  to  St.  Joseph's  Hospital.  Here  in  consequence  of  the  infirmities  of 
age,  eleven  days  after  his  79th  birthday,  he  died  peacefully,  early  Sunday  morn- 
ing, March  26,  1916.  Father  Provincial  Samuel  conducted  the  solemn  obsequies 
before  the  corpse  was  laid  to  rest  in  St.  John's  Cemetery. 

REV.  PAUL  (HERMAN)  TEROERDE,  O.  F.  M. 

Rev.  Paul  (Herman)  Teroerde,  O.  F.  M.,  was  born  at  Dingden,  D.  of  Muenster, 
Westphalia,  Jan.  27,  1849.  His  parents  were,  Wm.  and  Chnstina  (Walbring)  Ter- 
oerde. After  completing  his  classical  studies  at  Muenster  and  Coesfeld,  he  asked 
for  the  garb  of  the  Poverello  of  Assissi  at  Warendorf  on  Jan.  28,  1869.  On  March 
13,  1875,  he  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  the  priesthood  by  the  Most  Rev.  Paul 
Melchers,  Archbishop  of  Cologne.  On  June  3rd,  of  the  same  year,  Fi".  Paul  landed 
in  America.  From  Teutopolis,  111.,  he  attended  the  mission  of  Green  Creek.  Next 
his  superiors  sent  him  to  Wien,  Mo.,  and  then  to  Quincy,  111.,  where  he  was  in 
charge  of  St.  Antonius.  From  1881 — 1887  he  was  at  Teutopolis  as  pastor  and 
guardian.  After  a  year  and  a  half,  he  returned  from  St.  Louis  to  resume  his 
former  charge  for  six  more  years.  During  this  term  he  erected  the  new  southern 
wing  to  the  monastery.  From  1894 — '99,  Father  Paul  was  supei'ior  and  pastor 
at  Washington,  Mo.  His  next  field  of  labor  was  at  the  "missionary  Church"  of 
St.  Peter's,  Chicago,  till  January  1911.  Meanwhile  Father  Paul  frequently  gave 
missions  and  retreats.  Appointed  pastor  of  St.  Francis  Solanus'  Church  and 
guardian  of  the  Quincy  monastery,  his  health  failed  him  and  while  seekisg  redress 
at  Armstrong  Springs,  he  passed  away  on  Dec.  18,  1911. 

REV.  SERAPHIN  (GERARD)  LAMPE,  O.  F.  M. 

Rev.  Seraphin  (Gerard)  Lampe,  O.  F.  M.,  was  a  native  of  Ankum,  in  the 
diocese  of  Osnabrueck,  Germany.  His  birthday  was  on  March  19,  1848.  As  a 
young  man  he  came  to  America  and  joined  the  Franciscan  Order  at  Teutopolis 
on  Aug.  12,  1870,  and  was  raised  to  the  dignity  of  the  priesthood  on  July  18,  1878. 
Among  other  places,  he  labored  at  Columbus,  Nebr.,  Teutopolis,  111.,  St.  Peter's, 
Chicago,  Phoenix,  Ariz.,  Fruitvale,  Cal.,  and  Sioux  City,  Iowa. — In  the  latter  three 
places  he  founded  a  Franciscan  monastery. — He  also  labored  at  Quincy,  111.,  and 
Hermann,  Mo.,  at  Watsonville,  Portland,  Ore.,  San  Francisco  and  Sacramento. 
When  the  new  Province  of  Santa  Barbara  was  established  in  Nov.  1915,  he  was 
chosen  its  first  Custos  or  Vice-Provincial.  Though  ailing  for  many  years.  Father 
Seraphin  gave  no  outward  signs  of  it  so  that  his  death,  after  a  painful  and  un- 
successful operation  at  San  Francisco,  Cal.,  Qame  unexpectedly  to  his  brethren. 
The  pains  of  his  last  illness  he  bore  heroically  and  Veiy  Rev.  Provincial  Hugolinus 

—  115  — 


Storff,  0.  F.  M.,  sang  the  Requiem,  his  Grace  Archbishop  Hanna  pronounced  the 
absolution  and  refrained  from  words  of  eulogy,  respecting  the  request  of  the  dying 
priest.  His  remains  were  laid  to  rest  in  St.  Mary's  Cemetery  near  those  of  Rev. 
Maurus  Brink,  O.  F.  M.  Among  the  many  qualities,  which  those  who  knew  Father 
Seraphin  best  will  remember,  are  his  unfailing  and  whole-hearted  charity.  May 
he  rest  in  peace! 

FATHER  POLYCARP  (PETER)   RHODE,  0.  F.  M. 

Father  Polycai-p  (Peter)  Rhode,  O.  F.  M.,  was  a  native  of  Guenterode,  Eichs- 
feld.  Province  of  Saxony,  Prussia.  He  first  saw  the  light  of  day  on  Dec.  15,  1855. 
He  followed  the  noble  profession  of  teaching,  being  stationed  at  Effelder  where 
his  memory  is  still  cherished  as  that  of  a  very  kind  friend  and  teacher.  In  August 
1881,  he  entered  St.  Joseph's  College  at  Teutopolis  as  teacher  and  at  the  same 
time  perfected  himself  in  the  classical  studies  preparatory  for  the  priesthood 
in  the  Order  of  St.  Francis.  On  July  21,  1883,  he  entered  the  novitiate,  and  after 
absolving  his  philosophical  and  theological  studies,  was  raised  to  the  sacerdotal 
dignity  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  on  May  26,  1890.  He  said  his  first  Mass  at  Teutopolis. 
His  first  charge  was  St.  Mary's  Help  of  Christian  Church,  at  Green  Creek.  At 
the  same  time  he  acted  as  assistant  master  of  novices  and  taught  some  classes 
at  the  college.  He  next  served  as  pastor  of  the  local  parish  and  after  spending 
about  nine  years  at  Joliet,  111.,  as  pastor  and  superior,  he  was  sent  to  St.  Joseph's 
Churcji,  Cleveland.  He  also  acted  for  a  time  as  guardian  and  was  elected  Definer 
of  the  S.  Heait  Province.     At  present  Father  Polycarp  is  guardian  at  Indianapolis. 

REV.  CASIMIR  (BERNARD)  HUEPPE,  O.  F.  M. 

Rev.  Casimir  (Bernard)  Hueppe,  O.  F.  M.,  was  born  at  Attendorn,  Westphalia, 
on  Nov.  .3,  1849.  On  May  15,  1868,  he  became  a  son  of  the  Seraphic  Saint  Francis. 
In  the  trying  days  of  the  French-German  War  he,  with  many  confreres,  served  as 
nurse  of  the  sick  and  wounded  soldiers.  For  this  he  later  received  a  commemora- 
tive medal  (Medaille  fuer  Pflichttreue  im  Kriege  fuer  Nichtkombattanten),  of 
which  decoration  he  was  deservedly  proud.  In  spring  1875,  he  came  to  America 
with  P.  P.  Killian  Schloesser  and  Servatius  Altmicks  and  a  number  of  young  con- 
freres. On  June  29th  of  this  year  he  received  Holy  Orders  and  labored  at  Wien, 
Mo.,  Jordan,  Minn.,  Chaska,  Minn.,  (1885 — '95),  and  Wien,  Mo.  (1895 — '99).  A 
staunch  German,  he  always  was  a  friend  of  the  Central  Verein  and  kindred  organi- 
zations. From  1906 — '09  he  was  Definer  of  the  Province.  When  in  1912,  he  left 
Teutopolis,  where  he  achieved  great  things  by  his  stubborn  determination,  he  was 
made  pastor  and  superior  at  St.  Bernard's,  Nebraska,  where  he  passed  away  almost 
suddenly.  The  cause  of  his  death  was  a  paralytic  stroke  to  which  he  succumbed 
the  following  day,  January  27,  1914. 

Father  Casimir  was  a  humble  and  pious  religious,  averse  to  pomp,  kind  to- 
wards all,  simple  and  pithy  in  preaching,  devoted  to  the  instruction  of  children 
and  to  the  cause  of  Catholic  Societies.  His  lack  of  proficiency  in  the  American 
language  occasioned  some  amusing  blunders. 


—  116 


CHAPTER  IV. 

Sons  of  the  Parish 


REV.  STANISLAUS  RIEMANN,  JUB.  DIED  AUGUST  9,  1920 

The  first  candidate  of  the  Order  born  in  Teutopolis,  was  Joseph  Riemnnn.  His 
parents  were  Gerard  Remann  and  Elizabeth  Meyer.  His  birthday  was  DecemLei  2, 
1850.  He  was  one  of  the  first  students  of  St.  Joseph's  College  in  1862.  After 
frequenting  College  from  1862  to  1868  he  was  invested  on  Christmas  day,  1868  and 
received  the  name  Stanislaus.  A  year  later  he  made  his  simple  vows  on  the  feast 
of  Holy  Innocents.  When  the  Provincial,  Father  Gregorp  returned  to  Europe  on 
February  23,  1870  after  his  visitation  in  America,  he  took  Frater  Stanislaus  %  ith 
him,  that  the  frater  might  pursue  his  higher  studies  in  Europe.  In  1875  Fr.  Stanis- 
laus returned  to  America  with  Fathers  Kilian  and  Servatius,  who  had  been  in 
Germany  in  the  interests  of  the  American  Commissariat.  Holy  priesthood  was 
conferred  upon  him  with  8  other  deacons  on  June  4,  1876,  in  St.  Louis.  He  said 
his  first  Mass  in  Teutopolis.     In  1879  Father  Stanislaus  was  stationed  at  MT.  ST. 


REV.  STANISLAUS  RIEMAN,  O.  F.  M.        REV.  FABIAN  RECHTIENE,  0.  F.  M. 

MARY'S,  MO.  From  there  he  went  to  Memphis  (1881-82).  For  the  follov/ing 
six  years  he  remained  at  INDIANAPOLIS,  during  which  time  he  assisted  either  in 
the  parish  or  took  care  of  some  of  the  neighboring  missions  like  Brightwood,  Frank- 
lin, etc.  At  the  chapter,  July  25,  1888,  he  was  appointed  praeses  of  TURIBIITS 
MISSION  in  Caliofmia  where  he  stayed  until  his  recall  to  the  East  in  1892,  where 
he  was  made  submagister  in  the  TEUTOPOLIS  monastery.  From  September  1894 
until  September  1900  he  was  stationed  at  Quincy,  Illinois,  and  had  charge  of  St. 
Anthony's  paiish.  He  had  the  church  renovated  and  decorated.  In  1900  Fr. 
Stanislaus  was  transferred  to  Nebraska.  From  June  1901  until  December  1901 
he   was   praeses    of    St.    Louis    Monastery    "ad   interim.,"   because   at   that   time    the 

—  117  — 


Guardian,  Father  Hugo  Fessler,  was  asked  to  bring  the  Fathers  back  to  Memphis. 
On  December  27,  1901,  Father  Stanislaus  was  made  praeses  and  pastor  of  St, 
Bernard,  Nebraska.  During-  his  administrations  until  1909,  he  built  the  new  monas- 
tery and  winter  chapel.  In  1909  he  was  transferred  to  Humphrey.  From  1916-1917, 
he  attended  Morrison  from  Hermann,  Mo.,  having  acted  as  vicar  in  Quincy  for 
a  short  time.  He  returned  once  more  to  Nebraska,  to  Lindsay.  After  celebrating 
his  golden  jubilee  in  the  Order,  he  was  soon  taken  to  the  hospital  in  Omaha,  where 
he  died  of  cancer  on  August  9,  1920.  Father  Stanislaus  was  a  pious  and  very 
quiet  and  reserved  religious,  a  dear  confrere  and  faithful,  humble  worker. 

REV  DEAN  MICHAEL  WEIS 

Rev.  Dean  Michael  Weis,  brother  of  the  Rev.  Bernardine  Weis,  O.  F.  M.,  was  a 
native  of  Muersbach,  Bavaria,  and  the  oldest  of  nine  children,  being  bom  June  8, 
1838.  When  he  was  13  years  old,  the  family  came  to  New  York  and  Michael  worked 
for  five  years  as  a  farmhand  till  the  family  came  to  Teutopolis,  where  he  engaged 
in  the  same  work.  At  the  same  time,  however  the  young  man  devoted  all  his  spare 
moments  to  studying  and  was  employed  as  teacher  of  the  Teutopolis  public  schools 
for  one  year  and  two  years  in  the  same  capacity  at  the  parochial  school  at  Edwards- 
ville.  111.  Feeling  a  call  to  the  priesthood,  he  entered  St.  Joseph's  College  and 
Seminary  for  some  years,  when  he  went  to  the  Grand  Seminary  at  Montreal,  Canada, 
to  complete  his  studies.  He  was  ordained  at  Alton  on  April  4,  1868.  He  labored  at 
Vandalia.  Marine,  Effingham,  1872 — March  1877,  where  he  built  the  fine  present 
church,  after  which  he  sought  rest  in  California;  then  acted  as  chancellor  of  the  dio- 
cese, till  Jan.  1880.  After  laboi-ing  at  Saline  Co.;  Litchfield;  St.  Peter  and  Paul's, 
Springfield,  and,  finally,  as  dean  to  St.  Boniface  Church  at  Quincy,  111.  where  he 
spent  the  rest  of  his  days,  laboring  most  zealously  till  Nov.  9,  1909,  when  he  went 
to  meet  the  Master.  Rt.  Rev.  Bishop  J.  J.  Ryan,  D.  D.,  p^id  Dean  Weis  the  follow- 
ing beautiful  tribute:  "The  animating  motive,  the  overmastering  principle  of  his 
life,  was  the  thought  of  duty — to  the  holy  will  of  God,  to  walk  in;  the  way  of  His 
commandments  and  the  precepts  of  his  Holy  Church;  and  in  the  spirit  and  require- 
ment of  his  high  vocation  to  lead  all  within  his  care  and  influence  to  do  likewise. 
In  the  laxness  and  looseness  of  the  time  such  a  life  of  unswerving  duty,  day  in  and 
day  out  through  a  long  course  of  years,  is  sublime  in  its  lesson  to  us  all.  Thf3 
genuineness  of  the  heart  of  the  man  and  the  true  priest  of  God  showed  itself  es- 
pecially in  the  care  of  the  school  and  the  constantly  fatherly  interest  in  the  children 
and  all  that  pertained  to  them — the  last  effort,  the  last  strain  of  his  physical  powers 
was  to  be  with  them  in  their  little  day  of  honor."— "Blessed  are  they  that  die  in  the 
Lord;  for,  behold,  now  they  have  rest  from  their  labors  and  their  works  follow 
them." 

REV.  BERNARDINE  (GEORGE  BURGHARD)  WEIS,  O.  F.  M. 

Rev.  Bernardine  (George  Burchard)  Weis,  0.  F.  M.,  son  of  Michael  and  Ursula 
(Nestmann),  was  a  native  of  Muersbach,  Bavaria,  where  he  first  saw  the  light  on 
October  14,  1851.  The  family  came  to  America  in  May  1852  and  seems  to  have 
spent  some  years  in  the  East  before  they  settled  at  Teutopolis  and  took  up  farm- 
ing. George  attended  the  Quincy  and  Teutopolis  college  till  1868,  when  on  Chri.st- 
mas  day  he  received  the  habit.  On  Dec.  12,  1874,  he  was  ordained  priest  at  St. 
Louis,  Mo.  There  was  also  the  scene  of  his  first  pastoral  labors.  When  the  yellow 
fever  broke  out  in  Memphis  and  the  Rt.  Rev.  Commissary  called  for  volunteers  to 
take  the  place  of  those  Franciscans  who  had  fallen  victims  to  duty,  Fatlier  Ber- 
nardine volunteered  on  September  6,  1878.  "I  am  ready  to  depart  any  hour  for 
Memphis,  in  order  to  render  services  to  the  poor  afflicted  to  the  best  of  my  ability. 
Although  I  have  administered  the  last  sac,raments  to  several  who  were  quarantined 

—  118  — 


]iere  on  account  of  yellow  fever,  and  I  shall  today  go  there  again,  I  do  not  feel 
the  least  dread  of  the  disease.  Should  you  be  kind  enough  to  send  me,  I  shall 
deem  it  a  special  favor.     I  should  have  sent  in  my  application  already  yesterday, 

but  I  was  obliged  to  be  away  from  home  all  afternoon. 

Your  unworthy 

FR.  BERNARDINE 

In  1879  he  acted  as  subrector  at  Old  St.  Joe's. — Cleveland  and  Joliet  (Chaplain 
of  State  Penitentiary  (1882-'84)  and  St.  Louis  were  the  next  scenes  of  his  zeal. 
He  came  to  St.  Louis  and  in  1884  and  from  Januaiy  1887  acted  as  guardian,  at- 
tending at  the  same  time  the  "County  Farm"  i.  e.  Poor  House,  Insane  Asylum  and 
Female  Hospital.  During  his  guardianate  the  large  refectory  wing  was  erected. 
Made  definer  of  the  Province  and  superior  and  pastor  at  St.  Sacred  Heart  Church 
at  Indianapolis,  Ind.,  he  wiped  out  a  debt  of  $15,000.00,  a  huge  ta.sk  for  the  poor 
parish.  After  sei-v'ing  in  various  capacities  at  St.  Louis,  Santa  Barbara,  Cal., 
(Guardian  and  master  of  novices);  Cleveland,  Ohio;  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  Chillecothe, 
Mo.  (superior  and  pastor  1910-'12);  Ashland,  Wisconsin;  Cleveland,  Ohio;  and  St. 
Louis,  Mo.,  where  he  had  the  happiness  to  celebrate  his  golden  jubilee  as  religious. 


VERY    REV.    DEAN    MICHAEL    WEIS 


REV.  BERNARDINE  WEIS,  O.  F.  M. 


Father  Bernardine  passed  away  at  St.  Anthony's  Hospital  on  June  16,  1919.  Fa- 
ther Bernardine  was  a  good  religious,  strictly  devoted  to  the  Order  and  its  tradi- 
tions. As  superior  he  always  practised  what  he  exacted  of  others.  The  brothers 
and  sisters  of  Father  Bernardine  were:  (Rev.)  Michael,  Henry,  John,  John  Gang- 
olph,  Leonard,  Barbara  Ursula  (Sr.  Bemardinede,  N.  D.),  and  George  Burchard. 


REV.  CLEMENTINE  DEYMANN 

John  Henry  Deymann  was  born  in  Hannover  in  Kl.  Stavern,  diocese 
of  Osnabrueck  on  June  24,  1844.  His  parents  were  Gerard  and  Mary  (Dueing) 
Deymann.  He  came  to  America  in  1863  with  his  parents,  who  settled  in  Teutopo- 
lis.  He  soon  entered  St.  Joseph's  College  to  make  his  classical  course.  On  Decem- 
Jber  3,  1867,  he  was  invested  and  received  the  name  Clementine.     He  made  his  sim- 

—  119  — 


pie  vows  on  Christmas  day  of  the  following  year.  At  the  investment  of  a  large 
class,  which  took  place  in  Teutopolis  on  December  26,  1871,  he  made  his  solemn 
profession.  When  the  study  of  theology  was  transferred  from  Teutopolis  to  St. 
Louis,  Frater  Clementine  was  one  of  the  four  fratres  who  came  to  St.  Louis. 
The  class  consisted  of  FP\  John  Rings,  Clementine  Deymann,  Herman  Wirtz,  Bona- 
venture  Faulhaber.  On  May  19,  1872  FF.  John  and  Clementine  were  ordained 
priests  by  the  coadjutor-bishop  Patrick  Ryan.  After  rec.eiving  "cura''  in  July, 
1873  Father  Clementine  was  made  professor,  and  later  on,  sub-rector  of  St.  Jo- 
seph's College  in  Teutopolis.  He  also  attended  to  the  missions  in  Edgewood  (1873), 
Kinmundy  (1874),  Pocahontas,  Bishop  and  Altamont  (1878 — '79).  He,  also,  gave 
many  retreats  and  often  assisted  the  Rev.  Pastors.  On  July  2,  1879,  he  was 
transferred  to  Joliet,  where,  besides  care  of  several  sisters'  institutions,  he  acted 
as  chaplain  of  the  state  penitentiaiy.  On  August  16,  1880,  he  was  made  superior 
of   the    residence   whilst    Father    Gerard    remained    pastor    of   the    parish.     By    the 


REV.  AUGUST  BRUMLEVE 


REV.  CHARLES  BRUMLEVE 


chapter  of  July  16,  1882,  he  was  appointed  praeses  and  pastor  of  Chillicothe,  Mo. 
On  July  15,  188.5,  he  was  elected  definer  of  the  Province  and  also  commissioned  to 
take  over  the  rectorship  of  the  Orphanage  in  Watsonville,  Pajaro  Valley,  Cali- 
fornia. With  greatest  pi-udence  and  fatherly  love  he  most  successfully  governed 
this  institution  for  nine  years.  In  1891,  he  was  elected  definer  of  the  Province 
a  second  time.  In  1896  the  houses  of  California,  which  had  increased  to  nine  in 
number  since  the  Old  Mission  of  Santa  Barbara  had  been  incorporated  in  the  Prov- 
ince, were  united  to  form  a  commissariate.  The  chapter  of  July  22,  appointed  Fa- 
ther Clementine  the  first  commissary.  But  he  had  hardly  managed  this  office  a 
few  months  when  a  severe  attack  of  kidney  trouble  set  in.  His  physicians  ad- 
vised him  to  go  to  Phoenix.  But  already  on  December  4,  he  was  called  away  by 
death.  His  remains  were  brought  to  Santa  Barbara  for  interment  in  the  monas- 
tery vault. 

Father  Clementine  was  a  man  of  great  working  ability.  Notwithstanding  his 
many  duties  as  superior,  pastor  or  rector,  he  found  time  for  literary  work,  as  the 
number  of  books  and  little  pamphlets  published  by  him,  go  to  show.     He  published 

—  120  — 


a  manual  for  the  members  of  the  Third  Order  of  St.  Francis  both  in  English  and 
in  German.  A  Manual  of  the  Sisters  of  St.  Francis,  Joliet, — Life  of  St.  Francis 
Solano,  Life  of  Ven.  Junipero  Serra,  Life  of  Magin  Catala,  Novena  in  honor  of  St. 
Antony,  May  Devotions,  Way  of  the  Cross — are  from  his  pen.  He  translated  and 
published  the  Seraphic  Octave  and  Life  of  Ven.  Crescentia  Hoess.  He  found  time 
for  all  this  v^rork  on  account  of  his  great  punctuality.  He  was  noted  to  answer 
every  letter  stante  pede.  The  history  of  the  Province  calls  him  "a  quiet,  iriodest, 
pious  and  zealous  priest,  an  exemplary  religious"  (p.  184).  The  Acta  Ordinis 
.say  of  him:  "vir  simplex  et  rectus,  verus  Israelita,  in  quo  dolus  non  erat,  omni- 
bus carus  propter  animi  mansuetudinem  et  temperantiam  in  agendo." — (V.  XVI, 
p.  20) — i.  e.,  a  plain  and  upright  man,  a  true  Iseaelite  without  guile,  dear  to  all 
because  of  his  meekness  and  prudent  moderation  in  conduct." 

REV.  FABIAN  (BERNARD)  RECHTIENE,  O.  F.  M., 

Rev.   Fabian    (Bernard)    Rechtiene,  0.   F.  M.,   the  son   of  Philip   and  Catherine 
Zurliene  Rechtiene,  was  born  on  Nov.  15,  1853,  at  Covington,  Ky.  When  Bernard  was. 


REV.  MICHAEL  WERNSING,  O.  F.  M. 


REV.  CLETE  ADAMS,  O.  F.  M. 


a  mere  child,  the  family  moved  to  Teutopolis,  111.  His  pious  parents  had  the  happi- 
ness of  giving  three  daughters  to  the  service  of  God  in  religion  and  one  boy  to  the 
service  of  the  altar.  In  the  plays  staged  for  the  benefit  of  the  Holy  Childhood  So- 
ciety by  Father  Mathias,  Bernard  repeatedly  played  the  missionary  baptizing  the 
little  pagan  waifs.  He  made  his  classical  studies  at  St.  Joseph's  College.  On  Dec. 
8,  1870,  he  became  a  novice  and  after  completing  the  prescribed  course  of  higher 
studies,  was  ordained  on  June  22,  1879,  by  the  Most  Rev.  Archbishop  P.  A.  Ryan  at 
St.  Louis,  Mo.,  imd  said  his  first  Mass  at  Teutopolis.  His  first  field  of  apostolic 
labor  was  at  Jordan,  Minn.,  whence  he  attended  two  missions;  his  next  appointment 
being  to  Mount  St.  Mary's,  (Wien),  Mo.  About  1888  he  assumed  charge  of  St. 
Agnes  parish  at  Ashland.  Here  he  celebrated  his  silver  sacerdotal  jubilee  in  June 
26,  1904.  Since  he  has  labored  at  St.  Paul,  Mimi.,  (July  1912)— at  Joliet,  and  again 
at  his  dear  old  Ashland.  On— 1919  or  1920  Father  Fabian  had  the  happiness  to  cele- 
brate his  golden  jubilee  as  a  religious  at  Teutopolis,  which  was  the  occasion  of  a 

— 121  — 


happy  family  reunion.  Esteemed  and  beloved  by  all  for  good  nature,  kindness  and 
his  golden  heart,  which  feels  equally  for  all;  but  the  little  ones  of  the  flock  have 
ever  been  the  object  of  Father  Fabian's  tenderest  solicitude.  St.  Agnes  magnificent 
school  will  ever  be  a  monument  of  his  devotion  to  the  lambs  of  his  flock. 

REV.  MICHAEL  WERNSING,  O.F.M.,  AND  REV.  CLETE  ADAMS,  O.F.M. 

These  two  young  Franciscans  are  the  products  of  Teutopolis  community.  They 
received  their  primary  education  in  Teutopolis  district  schools.  At  an  early  age 
they  resolved  to  take  up  higher  .studies  and  chose  St.  Joseph's  College  as  their  "Alma 
Mater.''  Successfully  they  completed  the  six  years  college  course  and  the  donned 
the  brown  garb  of  Assisi.  Their  philosophical  training  of  two  years,  they  leceived 
at  the  Franciscan  House  of  Studies  at  West  Park,  Ohio ;  and  their  theological  course 
of  three  years  at  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  where  they  also  spent  the  year  after  their  ordina- 
tion taking  another  year  of  sacred  Theology. 

Rev.  Father  Michael,  son  of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  Bernard  Wernsing,  an  dCletus,  son 
of  Mr.  and  Mrs.  George  Adams  were  ordained  to  the  holy  priesthood  on  June  26, 
1925,  at  St.  Anthony's  church,  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  by  the  Rt.  Rev.  J.  J.  Murphy,  S.  J. 
D.  D.,  Vicar  Apostolic  of  British  Honduras,  Central  America.  Both  parents  of 
Father  Michael  are  dead.  His  mother  died  but  a  few  weeks  after  his  ordination. 
He  conducted  the  funeral  services.     The  father  of  Father  Cletus  is  also  dead. 

Father  Michael  and  Clete  read  their  first  solemn  holy  Mass,  Sunday,  June  28, 
1925,  in  our  church.  It  was  a  day  of  great  joy  and  happiness,  not  only  for  the 
relatives  of  the  two  young  Fathers,  but  for  all  Teutopolis.  About  400  persons 
partook  of  the  sumptuous  dinner  given  in  their  honor  in  Society  Hall. 


CHAPTER  V. 

Daughters  of  the  Parish 


SCHOOL     SISTRS     OF     NOTRE     DAME 

Name  in  Religion       Mother  H.       Family  N.       Father     Mother       Now  at     Died  at 

M.    Syncletica,   St.   Louis,    Mo Vormor,  Joseph — Anna  Vahling 

Died  at  St.  Louis 

M.    Zenonis    (Eliz.),    Milwaukee,    Wis Berheide,  Bern. — Eliz.,  Fort  Wayne,  Ind. 

M.  Chrysogona  (Anna),  Milwaukee,  Wis.  ..Berheide,  Bern. — Eliz.,     Mankato,  Minn. 

M.  Willibalda,  Milwaukee,  Wis Riemann,  Ger.  Died 

M.   Prudence,    Milwaukee,   Wis Riemann  Milwaukee,    Wis. 

M.  Viola,   Mankato,   Minn Riemann,   Dietrich  Gilbertville,  la. 

M.  De  Cruce,  Mankato,  Minn ....Riemann,   Dietrich  Gilbertville,  la. 

M.  Bernardina   (Mary),   St.  Louis,  Mo Weis,  Leonard  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

M.  Bartholomaea,  St.  Louis,  Mo Weber,  Joseph — Cath.  Probst  Died 

M   Zeno,  St.  Louis,  Mo Heuermann,   N.   B. — Cath.  Thoele 

Died  at  Milwaukee,  1906 

M.   Solania,  Milwaukee,  Wis Heuermann,  N.  B. — Cath  Thoele 

Owen  Sound,  Canada 

M.  Cosina  (Mary),  Milwaukee,  Wis .Day  Died  at  Elm  Grove,  Wis.,  1906 

M.  Josepha   (Anna),  Milwaukee,  Wis Day  Blue  Lsland,  HI. 

M.  Artemia  (Anna),  St.  Louis,  Mo Wilke,  Hy. — Anna  Wessel,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

M.  (Mary),  St.  Louis,  Mo Sanders,  Hy. 

M.  Mathia,  St.   Louis,  Mo Vahling,  Clem— Mary  Vormor 

Koelztown,  Mo. 
—  122  — 


Name  in  Religion       Mother  H.       Family  N.       Father     Mother       Now  at     Died  at 

M.   Hyacintha,   Milwaukee,   Wis Thoele,  John — ^Cath.  Korfhage 

Besancon,  Ind. 

M.   Casimira,    St.   Louis,   Mo .Vahling,    Clem — Mary   Vormor 

Died  at  St.  Louis.   1919 

M.  Hermine  (Catherine),  St.  Louis,  Mo Runde,  John — Cath.   Taphorn 

GeiTnantown,  Mo. 

M.  Agnes   (Agnes),   St.   Louis,   Mo Koestner,  P. — Frances   Schleper 

Died  at  Teutopolis  1922 

M.  Alfred   (Emma),  St.  Louis,  Mo Hakman,  Alfred — Mary  Schoenhoff 

Ft.  Madison,  la. 

M.  Sarita   (Rose),  St.  Louis,  Mo Pruemer,  Barney — Phil.  Westendorf 

St.  Louis,  Mo. 

FRANCISCAN     SISTERS 

M.  Adelinda,  Cincinnati,  O Hotze,  Ger. — Agatha  Dependener 

Columbus,  O. 

M.  Eustacia   (Mary),  Cincinnati,  O Bertram  Died 

M.  (Elizabeth),  Cincinnati,  O Quatman,  Joseph — Otten 

M.  Huberta   (Ida),  Cincinnati,  0 Uptmor,  Henry — Phil.         Cincinnati,  0. 

M.   Claudina    (Anna),   Cincinnati,   O Hardiek,  H.  H. — Buenker  Died  at 

Cincinnati,  O. 

M.   Petronia    (Adeline),  Joliet,   111 Overbeck,  Joseph — Cath.  Hagen 

Chicago,   Illinois 

M.  Clementia   (Caroline),  St.  Louis,  Mo Osthoflf,  Frank — Amelia  Luke 

St.  Mary's  Infirmary,  St.  Louis,  Mo. 

SISTERS     OF     ST.     DOMINIC 

M.   Reginalda   (Nora),   Springfield,  111 Condon,  Thomas — Mary 

M.   Columba    (Mary),   Springfield,  111 Condon,  Thomas — Mary 

ORDER     OF     POOR     CLARES 

M.  Joseph  Clare  (Helen),  New  Orleans,  La.  Weis,   John — Cath.    Schoenhoff 

New  Orleans,  La. 

SISTERS     OF     THE     MOST     PRECIOUS     BLOOD 

M.  Juliana   (Cath.),  O'Fallon,  Mo Uptmor,  Clem — Bern.  Siedkamp 

Died  at  O'Fallon,  Apr.   13,  1911 

M.  Aloysia    (Carolina),  O'Fallon,   Mo Uptmor,  Clem — Eliz.  Niehaus 

Died  at  O'Fallon,  June  27,  1879 

M.  Juliana  (Josephine),  O'Fallon,  Mo Uptmor,  Clem — Eliz.  Niehaus 

Died  at  O'Fallon,  Jan.  29,  1905 

M.   Sara    (Victoria),  Ruma,  111 Gardewine,  Hy. — Eliz. 

Died    at   Ruma,  Jan.    6,    1910 

M.  Anastasie,  Ruma,  111 Gardewine,  Hy. — Eliz. 

Died  at  Ruma.   March  5,  1897 

M.  Romana   (Philomena),  O'Fallon,  Mo Rechtiene,  Philip — 'Cath.  Zurliene 

Died  at  St.  Louis,  May  2.3,  1904 

M.   Gonzaga    (Crescentia),   O'Fallon,  Mo Rechtiene,  Philip — Cath.  Zurliene 

Florissant,  Mo. 

M.  Rose  (Mary),  O'Fallon,  Mo Rechtiene,  Philip — Cath.  Zurliene 

Died  at  O'Fallon,  Jan.  24,  1905 

M.   Philomena,  Ruma,  111 Koemer,  Chris. — Mary  Martin 

Wichita,  Kansas 

M.  Cunegundes   (Anna),  O'Fallon,  Mo Schleper,  Francis — Caroline  Niehaus 

Josephville,  Mo. 

M.  Cecilia  (Catherine),  O'Fallon,  Mo Riesenbeck,  Clem — Caroline  Voling 

Died  at  O'Fallon,  Sept.  22,  1908 

M.  Eugenia  (Caroline),  O'Fallon,  Mo Riesenbeck,  Clem — Caroline  Voling 

Died  at  O'Fallon,  May  6,  1889 

M.  Hilaria  (Josephine),  O'Fallon,  Mo Brey,  Damasus —  Died  Oct.  1903 

M.   Isabella,   O'Fallon,  Mo Kaercher 

— 123  — 


CHAPTER  VI— Statistics 


a 

a, 

g 

_5 

re 

CS 

g 

*■** 

in 

fe 

CQ 

o 

bH 

!_) 

g 

^ 

tta 

(^N 

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u 

CS 

o 
o 

o 
o 

3 

>H 

'^ 

^ 

fa 

u 

m 

1839 
1840 
1841 
1842 
1843 
1844 
1845 
1846 
1847 
1848 
1849 
1850 
1851 
1852 
1853 
1854 
1855 
1856 
1857 
1858 
1859 
1860 
1861 
1862 
1863 
1864 
1865 
1866 
1867 
1868 
1869 
1870 
1871 
1872 
1873 
1874 
1875 
1876 
1877 
1878 
1879 
1880 
1881 
1882 
1883 
1884 
1885 
1886 
1887 
1888 
1889 
1890 
1891 
1892 
1893 


(41) 


(60) 


225 
200 

200 
200 
200 
200 
225 
240 
239 
238 
240 
240 
240 
240 
240 
250 
250 


Otc.  10—2 


March  27 


April  26 


2 
5 
3 
14 
10 
23 
31 
35 
45 
71 
57 
57 
83 
53 
74 
62 
59 
41 
42 
61 
34 
49 
47 
57 
54 
55 
52 
36 
59 
59 
59 
59 
60 
71 
52 
53 
57 
52 


60 

64 

60  May 

60  May 

38  May 
55  Apr. 
64  May 
48  May 
52  May 
55  Map 
36  May 
55  May 
32  May 

39  May 

40  May 
44  May 


2—31 
1—34 
18—26 
22—18 
11—32 
3—12 
16—26 
19—32 
27—29 
19—31 
15—28 
7—39 
22—29 
11—35 


Nov.  3—39   (Rt.  Rev.  Quarter) 

Oct.— 47  (Rt.  Rev.  Van  de  Velde) 
July  17—59  (Rt.  Rev.  Van  de  Velde) 
Oct.— 53  (Rt.  Rev.  Van  de  Velde) 

July  19 — 75  (Rt.  Rev.  Henry  Damian) 


?— 75— ? 
(Rt.  Rev.  Henry  Damian) 

July  6—86 

(Rt.  Rev.  Henry  Damian) 


Feb.  9—117 

(Rt.  Rev.  Hy.  Damian) 

May  15—100 

(Rt.  Rev.  Pet.  Jos.  Baltes) 

June  23—89 

(Rt.  Rev.  Pet.  Jos.  Baltes) 

June  11—119 

(Rt.  Rev.  Pet.  J.  Baltes) 

May  6—85 

(Rt.  Rev.  Pet.  J.  Baltes) 


May  9—90 

(Rt.  Rev.  Pet.  J.  Baltes) 

Apr.  29—76 

(Rt.  Rev.  Pet.  J.  Baltes) 


(11) 


?— 117 

(Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

June  21 — 95  (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 
—  124  — 


1 

2 

2 

1 

1 

1 

11 

31 

10 

24 

10 

13 

13 

17 

5 

12 

11 

18 

6 

30 

5 

23 

12 

53 

6 

48 

10 

18 

6 

14 

12 

32 

11 

15 

7 

20 

2 

27 

7 

11 

6 

31 

7 

19 

10 

55 

10(2; 

])22 

10 

24 

7 

34 

13(32)31 

6 

17 

11 

43 

10 

43 

8 

42 

13 

20 

10 

25 

15 

54 

11 

36 

17 

26 

10 

33 

15 

27 

7 

26 

10 

19 

11 

27 

7 

23 

8 

13 

7 

20 

15 

28 

9 

30 

8 

22 

10 

24 

15 

14 

9 

31 

8 

23 

i 

A 

c 

1 

« 

OS 

g 

*J 

05 

b 

ffi 

c 

be 

u 

S 

EC 

W 

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o 

O 

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<c 

■3 

is 

4. 

d 

d 

s 
c 

£ 

'C 

>< 

Z 

12; 

IJ« 

O 

5? 

d 

1894 

244 

48 

May  20—36 

May  27—98  (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan)    (15 

)  4 

1895 

240 

48 

May  23—32 

8 

1896 

242 

40 

May    14—35 

8 

1897 

243 

38 

May   27—38 

June  20—104  (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

10 

1898 

242 

43 

May    19—30 

15 

1899 

233 

40 

May  28—39 

7 

1900 

237 

39 

June   10—35 

June  17 — 100  (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

10 

1901 

232 

30 

June  2—29 

11 

1902 

233 

38 

June   15—37 

8 

1903 

232 

34 

June  7—26 

July  5 — 87   (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

4 

1904 

232 

43 

May   29—30 

16 

1905 

232 

30 

June  18—31 

10 

19€6 

232 

39 

June  10—28 

June   14—86   (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

11 

1907 

231 

34 

May  26—40 

8 

1908 

35 

June  14—27 

8 

1909 

47 

June  6—32 

Oct.  3-93   (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

11 

1910 

43 

May  22—38 

16 

1911 

34 

—131? 

16 

1912 

47 

May   18—26 

May  19—86   (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

9 

1913 

38 

Map  10—33    ? 

9 

1914 

42 

May  23-49    ? 

12 

1915 

38 

March   20—30 

June  6—78    (Rt.   Rev.  James  Ryan) 

6 

1916 

41 

June  17—38    ? 

8 

1917 

37 

June  2—40 

6 

1918 

27 

May  25—15 

3 

1919 

28 

Mav   31—24 

Oct.  12—123   (Rt.  Rev.  James  Ryan) 

10 

1920 

33 

May  29—36 

20 

1921 

39 

Apr.    9—37    ? 

8 

1922 

31 

May   13—31 

15 

1923 

39 

May   12—43 

May  23—107 

12 

1924 

32 

May   17—32 

—10 

7 

1925 

34 

May   16—24 

Dec.  8—97  (Rt.  Rev.  James  A.  Griffin) 

11 

1926 

14 

May   15—35 

4 

NOTE:     First  Holy  Communion  on  three  different  dates: 

1911— May  21—27;  May  27—87;  Sept.  23—17.     Total  131. 
1913- June  8—1. 
1914— Oct.  3—2. 
1916— Dec.  23—3. 
1921— Apr.  12—1. 


20 
14 
20 
17 
22 
21 
18 
16 
18 
13 
14 
20 
15 
12 
16 
13 
17 
15 
9 
17 
16 
22 
19 
22 
30 
22 
23 
18 
16 
17 
15 
11 
10 


—  125  — 


CHAPTER   VII.— Schools  and  Teachers 


After  the  pioneers  had  provided  for  home  and  church,  they  turned  their  at- 
tention to  school,  for  which  a  lot  and  some  land,  as  a  sourc,e  of  income,  had  been 
set  aside.  The  FIRST  school  stood  south  of  the  cemetery  where  Mr.  Meyers  now 
lives.  The  first  teacher,  according  to  Mrs.  (Uptmor)  Pruemmer,  was  John  Hy. 
Rabe.  The  FIRST  PUPILS  were:  Josephine  Flindsack,  Catherine  Pundsack,  Marie 
Uptmor,  Mary  Boeckmann,  Fritz  Mindrup,  Caspar  Mindrup,  Tony  Mindrup  (?), 
Clem  Uptmor  II.,  Joseph  Boeckmann  and  Francis  Boeckmann.  The  school,  like 
pioneer  schools  generally,  was  a  poor  one.  The  parents  were  dissatisfied.  Some 
reading  and  playing  ar.d  singing  games  was  the  main  branch  taught.  The  next 
teacher  we  hear  of,  was  the  Rev.  Joseph  Kuenster,  who  resided  at  Waschefort's 
and  taught  there  and  afterwards  at  the  parsonage,  A.  D.  1845.  A  bushel  of  Qorn, 
or  lOc  per  family  was  the   year's  .salary  in  those  days.     In  fall,   1847,  Mr.   Peter 


PROF.  LOUIS  RIEG 

Doerner  took  charge  of  the  school.  He  was  a  good  teacher.  He  taught  in  the 
second  story  of  Joe  Homer's  house  till  the  cyclone  tore  it  away.  The  next  school 
stood  where  H.  Esker  resides.  School  was  held  in  the  upper  story;  the  lower 
story  served  as  the  teacher's  residence.  In  April  1851,  Mr.  Doerner  moved  to 
Pettis  Co.,  Mo.,  and  afterwards,  to  St.  Cloud,  Minn.  After  Rev.  Jos.  Zoegel  and 
Frank  Masquelet,  Mr.  Huels  was  engaged  as  teacher.  He  was  removed  in  con- 
sequence of  gossip.  Herr  von  Schuler  was  the  next  teacher  (Sept.  1852).  He  was 
prabably  an  Alsatian.  In  January  1853,  Mr.  John  Hoeny  is  mentioned  as  teacher. 
He  left  in  Sept.,  1854.  He  had  taught  school  in  a  log  house  built  for  the  purpose 
about  300  yards  from  Hattrups.  Another  teacher  was  Mr.  Dumstoff  or  Dumsloff; 
after  Henry  Eversman's  three  or  four  terms,  also  Chas.  and  John  Eversman  taught 

—  126  — 


for  a  time.  Mr.  Hoeny  was  the  first  owner  of  a  state  certificate,  having  passed  his 
examination  at  Vandlaia. 

The  next  teachers  mentioner  are:  Michael  Weis  and  Wm.  Stilleke  and  John 
Wehling.  The  latter  was  organist  also  and  had  an  excellent  choir,  composed 
chiefly  of  his  wife  and  2  daughters.  In  1874,  he  removed  to  the  west  and  died  rather 
suddenly  at  Madison,  Nebr.,  in  the  parish  of  Rev.  B.  Feldmann,  O.  F.  M.,  where 
he  had  played  the  organ.  Stilleke  taught  in  a  stable  or  barn  fitted  up  for  a  school. 
The  present  boiler-house  for  the  monastery  and  church  now  occupies  the  place. 
Wehling's  successor  was  Mr.  Louis  Rieg,  who  taught  till  1903  and  again,  from 
1910—1918. 

The  Teutopolis  schools  were  generally  public  schools:  Father  Mathias  intro- 
duced a  parochial  school.  In  1903,  Mr.  Louis  Rieg  was  superseded  by  Sisters 
of  Notre  Dame.  Already  Rev.  Damian  Hennewig,  0.  F.  M.,  who  had  followed 
the  teaching  profession  in  Germany,  had  called  in  the  Notre  Dame  Sisters.  They 
took  charge,  Dec.  7,  1861.  The  senior  boys,  however,  continued  under  the  care 
of  male  teachers,  Messrs.  Kugler,  Wm.  Stilleke,  Peter  (?)  Gottesleben,  John 
Eversman,  Michael  Weis,  John  Wehling  and  Brothers  (later  Rev.)  Rudolph  Horst- 
mann  and  Brother  Gottfried  Memel,  0.  F.  M.  Of  Prof.  L.  Rieg  the  "History  of 
Eff"ingham  County  Schools"  says:  "His  was,  indeed,  to  be  a  long  tenure  of  off"ice, 
devoted  service  and  indefatigable  self-sacrifice  for  the  youths  of  Teutopolis.  In 
1899  he  observed  his  silver  jubilee  as  educator  in  their  midst,  and  then  continued 
his  noble  undertaking  down  to  the  present  scholastic  year,  1918,  excepting  an  in- 
terregnum of  several  years,  when  teaching  and  organist  work  were  done  by  him 
elsewhere  (organist  at  Alton  and  at  Altamont — professor  at  Quincy  College)  with 
great  credit.  For  four  years  Mr.  Rieg  taught  in  the  old  school,  afterwards  in  the 
two-story  brick  school  which  stood  just  east  of  the  church  and  has  been  dismantled 
in  1912,  about  13  years  ago.  This  school  had  a  hall  in  the  2nd  story  for  society 
meetings,  entertainments,  etc.  Its  c.onstruction  had  cost  $6000.00.  Since  1912, 
Society  Hall  has  been  utilized  as  a  school  for  the  higher  grades. 

Mr.  Louis  Rieg  is  a  native  of  St.  Louis,  Mo.,  attended  the  schools  at  Edwards- 
ville,  111.  While  still  studying  at  St.  Joseph's  College  the  second  year.  Father 
Maurice  Klostermann  recommended  Mr.  Rieg  to  Rev.  M.  Weis  at  Effingham,  whence 
he  came  to  Teutopolis.  His  first  marriage  to  Miss  Philomena  Stockmann,  oc- 
curred on  July  27,  1880.  His  wife  died  on  Dec.  28,  1908.  On  Aug.  8,  1917,  he 
married  Miss  Mary  Fulle,  who  passed  away  on  June  23,  1923. 

Lay  itachers  besides  Mr.  L.  Rieg  were:  Misses  Mubeney,  1916 — 1917;  Miss 
Ida  Qna^mann,  1918—1924;    Mr.  Hy.  C.  Weirich,  Prin  ipal,  1919—1924. 

The  iif.w  annex,  erected  at  an  expense  of  $15,000.00  provided  for  fine  new 
cla.-.- looms,  vk-^ll  \t.ililated,  well  lighted  and  we  1  eiiuippe-l,  a^  a!>o  i  lunch  room 
and  cloak  roon  s  The  class  rooms  have  oiled  havdv/ood  floors,  latest  model  ad- 
justable de.sks.  iliite  blackboards,  and  are  also  sujiplie  I  with  all  the  modem  aiils 
to  study,  maps,  dictionaries,  globes,  arithmetic,  modeU,  visua-ization  equipment,  etc. 
Abou:  nine  acies  of  ground  are  at  the  disposal  of  the  pupiLs  as  playground. 

In   J 9]  8  the  High   School  was  reorganized  and   in   192,")  another  year  added. 

At  i)}eseMt,  the  primary  and  intermediate  g-rades  occnpy  rh3  above  building, 
while  the  junior  and  senior  high  school  students  are  cared  for  in  the  Society  Hall, 
which  is  also  equipped  in  accordance  with  the  requirements  of  \h.e  State  of  Illi- 
nois, whose  inspectors  have  placed  the  sign  "STANDARD  SCHOOL"  above  the 
front  door  of  each  building.  Up  to  the  present  year,  a  standard  three-year  course 
was  recognized  by  the  State  Department,  and  this  year  a  fourth  year  course  has 
been  added  meeting  all  the  requirements  for  off"icial  recognition  There  are  at 
piesent  38  students  in  the  senior  high  school,  and  217  in  the  grades.  The  faculty, 
at  pre.sent,  is  composed  of:     Sisters,  Ethelbert,  Theobald,  Annette,  Arnica,  Clovis, 

—  127  — 


Laurentine,   Alberta,   and   Marcelline,    and   the   laymen,   Messrs.   Henry   D.   Fagan, 
Principal  since  1924,  and  J.  Harold  Griffin,  since  1925. 

ST.  MARY'S  ACADEMY   (1866—1883) 

In  May,  1866,  the  cornerstone  was  laid  for  a  Girls'  School  and  Academy.  On 
August  15th  of  the  same  year  the  solemn  dedication  took  plac,e.  In  1883  the  aca- 
demy was  closed  for  lack  of  teachers.  About  1907,  two  rooms  were  fitted  up  at 
the  Society  Hall  and  the  Girls'  school  fitted  up  as  a  residence  for  the  Sisters. 

MAPLE  GROVE  SCHOOL 

was  built  in  the  year  1885.     It  was  opened  January  1,   1886,  with  Joseph  Hotze 
as  teacher.     He  taught  till  June  1886.     He  was  suQceeded  by 

Anton  Jansen  1889— June  1890       Miss  Margaret  Althoff  1911—1913 

Wm.  Ordner  1890—1892       John   Ludwig   1913—1914 

Miss  Anna  Mulvaney  1892—1899       Miss  Annette  Barcum  1914—1921 

Miss  Mary  Ordner  1899—1908       Miss  Elizabeth  Donnelly    1921-1924 

Miss  Anna  Mulvaney  1908—1911       Miss  Adela   Brumleve  1924 

The  present  Directors  of  the  school  are:  Mathias  Nosbisch,  Joseph  Deters 
and  Wm.  G.  Pruemmer. 

THE  PLAIN  TREE  (KRONE)  SCHOOL,  District  27  in  St.  Francis  Twp. 

Petition  for  a  new  school  was  mad  eon  February  15,  1886,  and  was  granted  on 
April  5,  1886,  by  Messrs.  Hy.  Thoele  and  Christian  Nosbisch,  school  trustees.  The 
first  Directors  were  chosen  by  lots  and  were:  Messrs.  B.  Krone,  John  M.  Adam, 
and  Hy.  Uptmor.  Mrs.  Goebel  had  donated  the  site.  The  following  is  the  list  of 
teachers: 

J.  H.  Uptmor  1886—1888       Ferd.  Poeppelmeyer  1907—1908 

Wm.  Ordner  1888—1890       L.  Mulvaney  1908—1910 

A.  Jansen  1890—1891       Mary   Imming   1910—1912 

Rose   Gardewine   1891—1895       Anna  Mulvaney  1912—1913 

Mary  Ordner  1895—1898       Gerald    Began    1913—1916 

Leo   Mulvaney  1898—1900       Daisy  Schwermann  1916—1917 

Clement  Brumleve  1900—1902      Sadie  Mirgon  1917—1918 

A.  Mulvaney 1902—1904      Bertha  Thoele  1918—1920 

Rose   Gardewine   1904—1907       Teresa  Nosbisch   1920—1926 

The  present  school  directors  are:  Messrs.  Geo.  Krone,  John  Nosbisch,  and 
Joseph  Zerrusen. 

LIST  OF   SISTERS 

SUPERIORS:— M.  Margaret  Mueller,  Dec.  7,  1861— March  1866;  Sr.  M.  Alexia 
Pfister,  April  1866— July  1870;  Sr.  M.  Salesia,  July  1870— Aug.  1873;  Sr.  Felici- 
tas,  Sept.  1873— Nov.  1,  1877;  Sr.  M.  Verena,  Nov.  1877— Sept.  18,  1915;  Sr.  Ehr- 
harda,  Sept.  20,  1915—1919;  Sr.  M.  Amica,  1919—1925;  and  since  Sept.  1925,  Sr.  M. 
Ethelbert.  OTHER  TEACHERS  were:  the  Ven.  Sisters  Mauritia  Utzmann,  An- 
tonina.  Electa,  Mathia,  Theobalda,  Tolentina,  Adelberta,  Wunibalda,  Perpetua,  Fla- 
via,  Barnaba,  Sylve.stria,  Jolanda,  Villanova,  Gabina,  Beata,  Crescentia,  Projecta, 
Henrica,  Benigna,  Irenaea,  Seraphina,  Cupertina,  Vita,  Pionina,  Veronica,  Nicolina, 
Florentia,  Reinfrieda,  Cora  and  Xaveria. 

Teachers  at  the  Academy  were:  Sisters  Aquinata,  Eustolia,  Norwigis,  Avellna, 
Perfecta  and  Coelestia. 

—  128  — 


Since  1901  the  following  Sisters  taught  or  worked  here:  Florentia,  Didaca, 
Veronica,  Constantia,  Apollonia,  Petronilla,  Bertelina,  Theodolinda,  Liborina,  Floi^n- 
tia,  Haveria,  Paulette,  Josephine,  Brunonis,  Vincentia,  Amarella,  Alphia,  Candidate 
Agatha  Roth,  Candidate  Mary  Borgmeyer,  Teresa  Stevenson,  Sr.  Annette,  Amadea, 
Clement,  Henrita,  Candidate  Magdalen  Niemann,  Sr.  Alberta,  Sr.  Amantia,  Sr. 
Coelinia,  Sr.  Veneranda,  Candidate  Rose  Schottel,  Sr.  Clovis,  Sr.  Marcelline,  Sr. 
Laurentine,  Sr.  Damian,  Sr.  Theobald,  Sr.  Artemia,  Sr.  Amarella,  Sr.  Perseveranda. 
Candidate  Cecilia  Tabor,  Sr.  Aniceta. 

Sr.  M.  Verena  was  born  in  Bavaria  on  Nov.  28,  1841,  and  when  three  years 
old  came  to  America,  to  Baltimore.  In  18-59  she  went  to  Milwaukee  as  a  candi- 
date, received  into  the  order  in  1860,  taught  one  year  in  that  city,  seven  years  at 
St.  Joseph's  School,  Rochester,  six  at  Kenosha,  1874—1877,  at  St.  Peter's,  Chicago, 
and  ever  since  at  Teutopolis,  until  1915,  when  she  took  up  her  residence  at  Maria 
in  Ripa,  St.  Louis,  ^lo. 

Sisters  that  died  at  Teutopolis:  Sr.  Aquinata  died  June  19,  1867;  Sr.  M. 
Alexia  died  Sept.  17,  1870;  Sr.  M.  Adelberta  died  Febr.  28,  1875;  Sr.  M.  Cupertina 
died  Oct.  11,  1887:   Sr.  M.  Agnes  (Koestner)  died  in  July  1922. 

Teutopolis  owes  a  debt  of  gratitude  of  the  good  Notre  Dame  Sisters,  for 
the  incalculable  amount  of  good  they  have  accomplished  in  educating  the  youth 
of  Teutopolis  for  65  years.  May  the  Divine  Savior,  who  has  bidden  to  "let  the 
Little  ones  come  to  Him  and  forbid  them  not"  requite  those  who  instruct  many 
unto  justice  with  the  light  of  glory. 

On  Thanksgiving  Day,  1911,  the  Ven.  School  Sisters  de  Notre  Dame  celebrated 
their  Golden  Jubilee  in  Teutopolis.  The  Very  Rev.  Provincial  Benedict  Schmidt 
oificiated  at  the  solemn  High  Mass;  Rev.  Fr.  Hugolinus  Storff,  0.  F.  M.,  Rector 
of  St.  Joseph's  College,  delivered  the  festive  sennon.  The  ladies  and  young  la- 
dies served  a  dinner  for  the  Sisters  and  many  presents  were  brought. 

On  July  2,  1912,  Sr.  M.  Verena  celebrated  her  golden  jubilee  as  a  religious 
at  the  Mother  House  at  Milwaukee.  A  wash  basket  full  of  china  ware  and  a  gaso- 
line engine  for  the  Sisters'  Laundry  were  the  jubilee  gifts  of  the  ladies  of  the 
parish,  resp. 


129  — 


CHAPTER  Vlll.-Societies 


THE  MARRIED  LADIES'  SOCIETY 

was  organized  in  order  to  assist  the  church  financially  and  to  provide  vestments 
and  linens,  etc.,  needed  for  the  splendor  of  divine  sei-vice.  The  organizers  were: 
Mrs.  Charlotte  Eversman,  Mrs.  Frances  Eggemiann,  Mrs.  Eliz.  Kroeger  and 
Mss.  Antoinette  Fuelle,  The  first  meeting  was  held  in  1855,  The  list  shows  thir- 
ty-one respectfully  44  charter  members. 


H.  Adelaide  Stumbach   (  ? ) 
Gerti-ude  Boeckmann 
Eliz.   Kroeger 
Mary  Sander 
Mary  Wascjiefort 
Frances  Eggermann 
Helen  Mary  Buenker 
Anna  Mary  Toelker 
Mary  Engel  Gerhabing 
Mary  Eliz.   Overbeck 
Marianna  Wilke 
Gertrude  Kreke 
Marianna  Welman 
Lisette  Fennermann 
Agnes  Vormor 
Catherine  Kils 
Marianna  Fachling   (?) 
Gertrude  Suhr 
Mary  Althoff 
Eliz.  Kabbis 
Christina  Meyers 
Engel  Thoele 
Receipts  first  year — $51.55. 


Catherine  Friepoeitner 
Cath.  Ellmann 
Marp  Kemker 
Mary  Engel  Nei 
Eliz.  Wessel 
Anna  Mary  Fechtrop 
Mary  Anna  Rump 
Cath.  Bruever 
Mary  Adelaide  Metten 
Mary  Eliz.   Rieman 
Charlotte  Eversman 
Anna  M.  Knipping 
Cath.  Eliz.  Kroeger 
Cath.  Eggermann 
Anna  M.  MindiTip 
Cath.  Thoele 
Cath.  Wegmann 
A.  Cath.  Waschefort 
Frances  Gerding 
M.  Anna  Althoff 
Bernardina  Anmann 
Frances  Brumleve 


This  society  is  still  nomerically  the  strongest  society  of  St.  Francis  parish 
and  has  accomplished  untold  good  for  church,  convent  and  college.  After  the 
arrival  of  the  Franciscans  in  1858,  these  ladies  got  busy  at  once  to  make  bedding 
and  other  articjes  for  the  use  of  the  Friars,  working  all  dap  and  often  late  at 
night.  When  the  Seminary  and  College  was  founded,  these  noble  and  generous 
ladies  again  got  busy  and,  assisted  by  a  number  of  others,  made  75  beds,  etc., 
each  containing  one  straw  tick,  three  comforts,  two  pillows,  four  pillow  slips,  and 
four  bed  sheets,  in  all,  1120  pieces.  The  goods  were  furnished  by  the  College 
Building  Committee:  tick,  cotton,  batton,  and  comfort  calico,  but  was  purchased 
at  Eft'ingham  and  Cincinnati  where  the  prices  were  more  reasonable.  For  years 
after  this  gigantic  task  had  been  accomplished,  they  offered  their  time  and  their 
labor  gratis  in  sewing,  not  only  bed  clothes,  but  also  Church  vestments.  When 
the  process  of  canning  fruit  became  known,  these  ladies,  for  many  years  after- 
wards, spent  weeks  at  the  college  canning  fruit,  yes,  on  many  nights  they  worked 
till  eleven  o'clock  and  never  accepted  a  cent. 

One  of  the  side  altars  was  paid  for  by  the  Married  Ladies'  Society.  It  cost 
$400.00.  They  are  still  keeping  up  the  good  work  of  helping  the  church  at  fairs 
and  by  donating  and  making  things  for  altar  use,  etc. 

—  130  — 


The  present  officers  are: 

Mrs.  Herman  Hewing,  Pres.;  Mrs.  John  Burford,  Vice-Pres.;  Mrs.  Catherine 
Brumleve,  Sec'y.;   Mrs.  Eliz.   Schuette.  Treas. 

ST.  PETER'S  MEN  SOCIETY 

St.  Peter's  Men  Society's  first  mentioned  on  April  7,  1844.  Its  purpose  is 
financial  support  for  the  church  and  adornment  of  the  house  of  God.  The  first 
officers  (April  7,  '44)  were:  PRESIDENT:  Clement  Uptmor;  VICE-PRESIDENT: 
Joseph  Boeckmann;  SECRETARY:  Gerard  Meyer;  TREASURER:  John  Wasche- 
fort;  COLLECTORS:  Joseph  Feldhake,  Henry  Kraemer,  Hy.  Vormor,  Joseph  Osten- 
dorf,  Herman  Uptmor.     The  other  CHARTER  MEMBERS  were: 


Gerard  Hackmann 
Anton  Fuesting 
Theo.  Vunnemann 
J.  Hy.  Meyer 
H.  H.  Uptmor 
H.  H.  Wempe 
Hy.  Kemker 
Clement  Vahling 


Joseph  Bussmann 
G.  H.  Bruever 
Francis  H.  Schleper 
D.  Thoele 
J.  F.  Kroeger 

F.  Thoele 
H.  Weber 

G.  Schniederjan 


J.  Klausing 

J.  Wegmann 

A.  Kreke 

J.  G.  Meyer  (?) 

Gerard  Korfhage 

H.  H.  Vormor 

Each  paid  2.5c,  Rec.  $7.00 


The  OFFICERS  FOR  1926  are: 


Joseph   Bussman,   Pres.;   H.   J.   Weber,  Vice-Pres.;    Chas.   Weber,   Sec'y.;    Ben 
Habing,  Treas. 

Number  of  members  in  1926: 


ST.  ROSE  OF  LIMA  YOUNG  LADIES'  SOCIETY 

St.  Rose  of  Lima  Young  Ladies'  Society  was  organized  in  1860  by  the  Rev. 
Damian  Hennewig,  0.  F.  M.,  and,  in  1882,  by  Rev.  Paul  Teroerde.  Later  on  it 
was  changed  into   a   Sodality  of  the   B.   V.   M. 

ITS  PURPOSE:  Veneration  of  B.  V.  M.  and  sanctification  of  members  and 
beautifying  the  house  of  God. 


The  26  charter  members  were: 


Catherine  Mette,  Collector 
M.  Cath.  Feldhake,  Treas. 
M.   G.   Menke,  2   Pres. 
Mary  Schniederjan 
Mary  Eliz.  Mette 
Eliz.  Wemsing 
Mary  Rieman 
Eliz.  Wegman 
Mary  Cath.  Thoele 

The  number  of  members 


Gertrude  Dreyer 
Eliz.  Habing 
Mary  Eliz.  Bruemme 
Philomena  Kabbis 
Mary  Kabbes 
Phil.  Uptmor  L.  Pres. 
Mary  Kox'fhage 
Eliz.  Busse 
Eliz.  Schoenhoff 
in  1926—120. 


Mary  Anna  Kabbes 
Mary  Vormor 
Caroline  Riesenbeck 
Mary  Anna  Ostendorf 
Caroline  Waschefort,  Sec. 
Eliz.  Venneman 
Mary  Kemker 
Gertrude  Eckjan 


The  present  officers  are: 

Miss  Eliz.  Runde,  Pres.;  Miss  Carrie  Hawickhorst,  Vice  Pres.;  Miss  Anna 
Weber,  Sec'y.;  Miss  Estelle  Eckjan,  Treas.  Librarians:  Misses  Luella  Siemer, 
Bertha  Brumleve,  Leona  Hakman  and  Eleonore  Hewing. 


—  131  — 


Eev.  Damian,  who  had  been  a  teacher,  in  1860,  gathered  the  young  people  into 
the  St.  John's  Young  Men  Society  and  the  Young  Ladies  into  the  St.  Rose  of  Lima 
Young  Ladies'  Society  in  the  same  year.  Father  Paul  cjianged  them  into  SODALI- 
TIES iu  1888. 

Oct.  30,  Fr.  Damian  also  introduced  the  CONFRATERNITY  OF  THE  SACRED 
HEART  OP^  MARY  for  the  conversion  of  poor  sinners,  after  the  B.  V.  M.  altar 
had  been  installed. 

Tlie  Society  of  the  HOLY  CHILDHOOD  was  introduced  at  an  early  date.  Fr. 
Mathias,  O.  F.  M.,  was  a  great  promoter  of  this  society. 

The  first  members  were  received  into  the  THIRD  ORDER  of  St.  Francis  in 
IS^'i,  but  the  real  organization  seems  to  have  taken  place  in  1861,  by  Fr.  Kilian, 
Mathias  Hiltermann,  Director   (Regelpater). 

ST.  VINCENT  ORP'HAN  SOCIETY  ordered  by  the  Bishop  ]n  1866  to  be  in- 
troduced, was  by  the  wish  of  the  people  united  with  the  St.  Francis'  Mutual  Aid 
Society. 

ST.  JOSEPH'S  SOCIETY  having  for  its  purpose  the  education  of  talented 
boys  of  the  parish  to  the  holy  priesthood  and  founded  in  1873  on  the  feast  of  the 
patronage  of  St.  Joseph;  existed  till  about  1881.  It  was  finally  merged  into  l:he 
ST.  FRANCIS  MUTUAL  AID  SOCIETY. 

ST.  ANTHONY'S  READING  CIRCLE  and  SINGING  SOCIETY  was  organ- 
ized on  February  9,  1864  and  existed  till  1881  or  longer. 

THE  APOSTLESHIP  OF  PRAYER  was  introduced  by  Rev.  Mathias,  April  2, 

1871. 

THE  CONFRATERNITY  OF  THE  PRECIOUS  BLOOD  dates  ba.k  to  about 
July  4,  1872,  it  seems. 

Father  Paul,  with  the  aid  of  Dr.  Hy.  Eversman,  in  1892,  organized  the  ST. 
MAURICE  BRANCH  OF  THE  CATHOLIC  KNIGHTS  OF  AMERICA.  . 

THE  KNIGHTS  OF  COLUMBUS  was  also  organized. 

THE  THIRD  ORDER 

One  of  the  many  societies  that  have  been  established  in  this  parish  since  its 
beginning,  is  the  St.  Francis  Confraternity  of  the  Third  Order.  It  is  over  sixty- 
two  years  in  existence,  having  been  Qanonically  erected  by  the  Rev.  Killian  Schloes- 
ser,  O.  F.  M.,  on  March  6,  1864,  five  and  a  half  years  after  the  arrival  of  the 
Franciscans  in  Teutopolis  in  1858. 

The  Third  Order  was  enthusiastically  received  and  greatly  appreciated  from 
the  very  beginning  as  the  numerous  investments  and  professions  sufficiently  testify. 
From  March  6,  1864  to  October  4,  1866,  no  less  than  86  persons,  32  men  and  54 
women,  were  received  into  the  Order  here  at  Teutopolis.  At  the  latter  date  68 
novices  had  made  their  profession. 

The  first  reception  recorded  took  place  June  9,  1863,  almost  one  year  prior 
to  the  canonical  establishment  of  the  Confraternity.  It  was  that  of  Mr.  Wenzel 
Schuster  by  Rev.  P.  Killian.  Whether  Mr.  Schuster  ever  made  his  profession  in 
the  Order,  the  records  fail  to  show.  John  Riemann,  received  by  P.  Mathias  Hilter- 
mann, March  6,  1864  and  admitted  to  holy  profession,  March  12th  of  the  following 
year,  was  perhaps  the  youngest  candidate  ever  invested  and  professed  in  the 
Third  Order  at  Teutopolis.     He  was  15  years  of  age  at  the  time  of  his  investment. 

The  records  »f  the  Confraternity  up  to  date  show  413  names.     Some  of  these, 

—  132  — 


however,  were  investetl  or  professed  in  other  localities.  At  present,  the  Confra- 
ternity has  91  members,  a  few  of  these  rside  outside  of  Teutopolis. 

As  far  as  can  be  ascertained  from  the  rather  incomplete  records,  at  least 
four  Tertiaries  of  Teutopolis  have  jomed  religious  communities  in  the  course  of 
time.  They  are:  the  former  Mrs.  Joseph  Weber,  now  Sister  Clementia  at  St. 
Mary's  Infirmary,  St.  Louis,  Mo.;  Miss  Helen  "Weis,  now  Sister  Mary  Joseph  Clare 
at  New  Orleans;  Miss  Anna  Berheide  and  Miss  Agnes  Fehan. 

Rev.  P.  Mathias,  through  whose  efforts  the  membership  of  the  Confraternity 
in  the  beginning  increased  by  leaps  and  bounds,  was  its  first  Regelpater  or  Director 
which  office  he  held  for  many  years.  Mr.  John  Hy.  Wemsing  seems  to  have  been 
the  first  Prefect  of  the  men  and  Mrs.  Mary  Waschefort  for  the  women.  Mr. 
Wernsing  was  subsequently  re-elected  many  times  as  were  also  Mrs.  Elizabeth 
Uptmor  and  several  others. 

The  Tertiaries  of  Teutopolis  have  always  been  and  still  are  among  the  most 
energetic  workers  of  the  parish.  In  past  years  the  Confraternity  as  such  most 
generously  supported  the  efforts  of  the  St.  Joseph's  Society,  whose  object  was  to 
foster  vocations  to  the  holy  priesthood  among  our  own  boys,  and  to  provide  ma- 
terially for  the  education  of  those  whose  parents  did  not  have  the  means  to  do 
this.  Individual  lady  Tertiaries  have  always  been  and  still  are  eager  and  ready  to 
sew,  make  albs,  sui-plices,  altar  linens  and  laces,  cassocks,  etc.,  for  the  parish 
church,  the  College  and  our  missions.  Before  the  Teutopolis  High  School  was 
opened,  there  existed  a  Tertiary  Sewing  Circle.  But  when  the  meeting  room  of 
the  Sewing  Circle  in  Society  Hall  was  appropriated  for  high  school  purposes,  the 
Circle  was  discontinued  and  has  not  been  reorganized  to  this  day. 

The  Tertiaries  hold  their  regular  religious  meetings  on  the  third  Sunday  of 
each  month.  This  is  at  the  same  time  their  Communion  Sunday.  The  Confra- 
ternity has  its  own  banner,  which  bears  tke  Franciscan  escutcheon.  It  was  made 
by  Mrs.  Joseph  Thoele.  The  emblem  is  a  hand  painting  by  a  former  student  of 
St.  Joseph's  College.  Since  this  banner  is  quite  worn,  a  new  one  will  be  pur- 
chased in  the  course  of  this  year.  A  number  of  Tertiaries  have  already  contributed 
their  share  towards  the  price  of  the  new  banner,  the  othrs  are  expected  to  do 
likewise  in  due  time. 

Following  are  the  present  officers  of  the  Confraternity: 

Mr.  Louis  Rieg — Prefect  of  the  men;  Mr.  H.  J.  Weber — Sub-Pref ec,t ;  Mrs. 
Joseph  Thoele — Prefect  of  the  women;  Mrs.  Philomene  Adams — Sub-Prefect;  Rev. 
Maximilian  Klotzbucher,  O.  F.  M. — Director. 

THE  FRANCISCAN  MISSIONARY  UNION 

This  Union,  commonly  called  the  F.  M.  U.,  is  a  world-wide  organization  proper 
to  the  Order  of  St.  Francis.  Its  introduction  into  all  parishes  and  institutions  in 
charge  of  the  Friars,  was  ordered  in  a  decree  of  the  present  Minister  General  of 
the  Order,  the  Most  Rev.  Bernardine  Klumper,  O.  F.  M.,  in  the  latter  part  of 
1922.  It  was  enthusiastically  welcomed  by  all  classes  of  the  faithful,  especially 
the  children. 

The  F.  M.  U.  is  the  natural  outgrowth  of  the  spirit  of  the  numerous  Fran- 
ciscan Family,  its  purpose  is  none  other  than  the  spread  of  the  Kingdom  of  Christ 
on  earth.  It  endeavors  to  achieve  its  aim  by  aiding  the  missions  and  missionaries 
of  the  Order  by  spiritual  and  material  alm.s — prayer  and  money. 

A  local  branch  of  the  F.  M.  U.  has  been  established  in  our  parish  in  April 
of  1923.  Since  that  date  about  400  persons,  adults  and  children  of  all  ages,  have 
been  enrolled.  It  was  organized  by  the  Rev.  Ephrem  Muench,  O.  F.  M.,  who  was 
greatly  aided   through  the  efforts   of  the  Ven.   School   Sisters   of  Notre   Dame,  in 

—  133  — 


particular   Sr.   Annette.     These    Sisters   are    still    taking   the   most   lively   interest 
in  the  Union. 

The  local  branch  of  F.  M.  U.  has  achieved  startling  results  since  its  erection 
in  1923.  So  far  about  $900.00  have  been  contributed  for  the  cause  of  the  missions 
through  membership  dues  and  donations.  In  Advent  of  1925  the  sum  of  over 
$100.00  was  realized  through  mite  boxes  among  the  school  children.  Clothing  and 
other  useful  articles  have  been  sent  to  the  missions  by  the  mission  workers  of 
Teutopolis. 

The  following  girls  have  been  Promoters  of  our  F.  M.  TJ.  at  some  time: 

Josephine  Brumleve  Cath.  Quatman 

Eleanore  Hewing  Alberta  Niemeyer 

Adelyn  Ordner  Leona  Hoedebecke 

Adelyn  Einhom  Celeste  Renschen 

Alma  Weber  Genevieve  Miller 

Verena  Buenker  Edith   Schoenhoff 

The   Rev.   Ephrem   Muench,   O.  F.  M.,  now  stationed  at   St.   Peter's,   Chicago, 

111.,  organized  the  local  branch  and  was  its  first  local  Procurator  (1923 — 1924). 

The  present  Promoters  are: 

Agnes  Habing  Eleanore  Hakman 

Cecilia  Rechtiene  Margaret  Weis 

Isabel  Wessel  Marcella  Quatman 

Marie  Wessel  Miss  Teresa  Nosbisch 

Lorraine  Brumleve  Miss  Adele  Brumleve 

Rev.  Maximilian  Klotzbucher,  0.   F.  M.,  is  local  Procurator  since  Aug.   1924, 


CHAPTER  IX.— Cemeteries 


The  first  settlers  were  not  here  very  long  when  the  grim  Reaper  already  de- 
manded its  victims.  Though  a  lot  marked  "H"  had  been  set  aside  for  a  cemetery 
on  the  original  plat,  the  grave-yard  had  not  yet  been  laid  out.  Hence  some  were 
buried  at  the  Masquelet  church,  so  we  are  told.  Unfortunately,  no  record  of  funer- 
als from  1839 — 1845,  the  time  of  Father  Kuenster,  can  be  found.  Only  when  the 
remains  were  taken  up  and  transferred  to  the  new  cemetery  laid  out  in  the  year 
1860,  were  a  few  meagre  notes  made  of  these  re-interments. 

1839 — H.  Brummer;  1840 — Hy.  Suer  (Gr.  Creek),  30  years;  Adelaide  Brummer, 
Maria  Ostendorf,  one-half  year;    Elizabeth   Schleper,   Francis  L.   Sehleper;    1841 — 

Hy.  Gerdes,  65  years,  Maria  Niemann,  Rieman   (child);   1842 — ^Joseph   Mind- 

rup,  Joseph  Uptmor,  Clement  August  Schleper,  Herman  Luetke-Luechtefeld,  Anna 
M.  Masquelet,  65  years;  Maria  Eliz.  (Kalvelage)  Jansen,  50  years;  Eliz.  Boeck- 
mann,  nee  Jansen,  30  years;  Eliz.  Rose  Boeckmann,  Anton  Boeckmann,  3  weeks; 
Joseph  Vormor,  15  years;  John  Buenker,  45  years;  Ben  Buenker,  2-3  days;  CI. 
Topper,  12-13  years;  Margaret  Raben,  60  years;  two  children  of  Raben;  Hy. 
Buermann;  W.  Bergfeld,  25  years;  Marg.  Riemann,  70  years;  Bernardine  Frieling, 
SO  years;  twins  of  Frieling;  Anthony  Thoele,  died  Sept.  24,  1846;  Jos.  Steinke, 
died  1845;  H.  Steinke,  died  1847;  M.  Philomena  Inreeden,  died  1846:  Ger.  Jos. 
Schniederjans,  died  1846;   CI.  Vahling,  died  Sept.  18,  1840;   an  old  man;    Rieman, 

—  134  — 


a  child;  B.  H.  Zerrusen  (father)  died  1845;  Uptmor,  still-born;  Jacob  Doedtrnann, 
a  father-in-law,  John  Durpin,  49  years,  died  1846.  The  cemetery  wa^.  part  of  the 
Hardiek — Hattrup  place;  part  of  it  was  south  of  the  railroad;  Hy.  Pnjemnier  was 
the  first  one,  it  seems,  to  be  buried,  and  this  without  a  priest;  a  few  board.'j  Mvi&rie 
hastily  nailed  together  so  that  the  remains  were  visible  through  the  coffin.  As 
the  grave  was  very  shallow,  the  wolves  uncovered  the  coffin  at  nigiit  The  bodies 
of  the  parents  of  Rev.  Masquelet  were  not  transferred,  because  they  could  no 
longer  be  found.  The  old  part  of  the  present  cemetery  (two  lots)  was  donated 
by  F.  F.  Waschefort,  who  reserved  for  himself  a  plot  20x20  feet  only  on  which 
he  erected  a  vault  for  his  family.  This  was  torn  down  many  years  ago.  The 
cemetery  had  to  be  enlarged  repeatedly.  On  Aug.  6,  1868,  Mr.  Maurer  received 
^30.00  for  a  lot.  Father  Mathias  Hiltermann  sold  the  lot  on  which  the  second 
cemetery  had  been  located  to  Mr.  H.  H.  Hardiek  (Hardiek's  Osseyard).  Later  on 
the  lots  No.  Ill  and  110,  owned  by  the  Church,  were  added;  but  they  were  so 
liiliy  that  they  were  not  serviceable.  Accoi'dingly  two  more  lots  were  purchosed: 
lot  120  from  J.  Fuelle  and  lot  119  from  H.  H.  Hattrup.  The  street  dividing  these 
lots  from  the  graveyard  was  vacated  by  the  village  tioistees  and  !oc  108,  on  which 
the  public  road  now  lies,  was  donated  by  F.  F.  Eversman,  M.  D.,  on  condition 
that  all  the  newly  purchased  lots  be  laid  out  for  burial  places. 

In  11>00  the  St.  Peter's  Men  Society  donated  the  beautiful  Cx'oss. 

Later  on,  many  family  lots  were  laid  out  in  the  eas^^rrn  part  of  the  grave- 
yard and  manv  fine  monuments  are  to  be  seen  here.  It  is  a  pity,  that  teams 
were  allowed  ii.  the  cemetery  for  the  purpose  of  mowing  the  grass;  they  broke 
almost  all  the  old  stones  marking  the  graves  and  make  it  imjiossible  to  .<upple- 
n.fcnt  some  of  tht,  incomplete  register  of  the  dead  of  pioneer  days. 

For  many  years  a  Cemetery  Society  existed. 


Conclusion 


The  readers  will  notice  that  we  have  omitted  the  list  of  trustees  and  donors 
towards  the  church.  This  is  owing  to  lack  of  time.  We  trust  that  He  who  sees 
even  in  the  dark,  will  repay  them. 

"That  Thou  wilt  requite,  0  Lord,  all  who  do  us  good,  with  life  eternal,  we 
beseech  Thee,  hear  us." 


FINIS 


1.35  — 


JOSEPH  SIEMER  CLEM  J.  SIEMER 

Established  1880     -:-     Phone  5-R 

Siemer  Milling  Co. 

MILLERS 
Grain,  Hay  and  Coal  Dealers 


Sun  Rise  Flour 


Gold  Standard  Flour 


All  of  our  products  are  guaranteed  to 

give  absolute  satisfaction  and  are 

sold  at  lowest  possible  prices. 


Baking  is  a  Pleasure  with  Siemer' s  Flours. 


We  have  served  the  Public  for  more  than  40  years. 

Siemer  Milling  Co. 

TEUTOPOLIS    -:-     ILLINOIS 


—  136  — 


J.  M.  Schultz 

Wholesale  Seed  Merchant 


Dieterich,  Illinois 


Buyer  and  Seller  of  all  Kinds  of 

Field  Seeds     -     Beans 
Peas,  etc. 


We  solicit  your  business. 


'<(. 


— 137  — 


ac(fOi^:(!0><f<(!Cf^:f^^^^  o,o^;o<)to^o?CHX«H:e>«o^^ 


C.  Meislahn 

MONTROSE,     ILLINOIS 

LEADER  IN 

DEPENDABLE 
General    Merchandise 

%  Hardware,  Paints  and  Oils 
5  Reasonable  prices,  and  effi- 
rt       cient  service  at  all  times. 

g  Each  Day  Spent  in  High 
I  School  is  Worth  $16.66 

Y  Uneducated  laborers  earn  on 
O  an  average  of  $900  per  year  for 
g  40  years,  a  total  of  $36,000. 

o  High  School  graduates  earn 
O  on  an  average  of  $1,800  per 
A  year  for  40  years,  a  total  of 
?  $72,000.  H.  D.  Fagan 


and 


FOR 

Clothing,   Shoes, 
Jewelry 

GO  TO 

H.  J.  Weber  &  Co. 

Thirty-four  years  in  the  clothing  business.    Q 

Our  ambition  always  is  to  please  g 

our  customers.  j^ 


ao!Oi^:potiO'!Q0!Oi^:^^^ 


SERVICE 

TWENTY-ONE  YEARS  OF  SOUND  BANKING  SERVICE 

Faithfully  serving-  the  needs  of  Teutopolis  and  vicinity,  quali- 
fies this  Bank  to  extend  it's  depositors  experienced, 
financial  cooperation. 

Capital,  Surplus  and  Undivided  Profits  over  $.50000.00 

Teutopolis  State  Bank 

OFFICERS 

H.  J.  Weber,  Pres.  Henn.  J.  Runde,  Cashier 

Joseph  Siemer,  Vice  Pres.  Ben  H.  Weber,  Ass't.  Cashier 


— 138  — 


Established  1855 

Will  &  Baumer  Candle  Co.,  Inc. 

THE     CANDLE     MANUFACTURERS 

405  N.  Main  Street 
St.  Louis,     Mo.,     U.  S.  A. 

Wm.  Waltke  &  Co. 

SOAPMAKERS     AND     CHEMISTI 

Manufacturers  Of  and  Dealers  In  . 
LAUNDRY    SUPPLIES 

Grand  Ave.  and  Second  St. 

ST.  LOUIS,  MO. 

HENRY  BRUMLEVE 

CARPENTER    AND    CABINET    MAKER 
Teutopolis,     Illinois 

WESSEL  &  FULLE 

GENERAL    MERCHANDISE 
Teutopolis,     Illinois 


—  139  — 


^oi^:iX)^c^oi0'Ci0!Q(<:^^ 


A    Good    Store 

in  a 

Good    Town 

We  carry  the  Better  Line  of 
Groceries  and  High  Class  Dry 
Goods,  Silk  and  Silk  Hosiery. 
Bring  your  Country  Produce 
for 

Cash    or    Trade 

We  are  the  exclusive  distrib- 
utors of 
Eagle  Cash  Discount   Stamps 
on  all  purchases. 

Leo  A.  Fuelle 

TEUTOPOLIS,    ILL. 


Repairing  Neatly  Done 

LoMis  Brumleve 

Manufacturer  and    Dealer    in 

Harness    and    Horse 
Furnishing   Goods 

Collars,    Whips,    Bridles, 

Robes,  Blankets,  Saddles, 

Fly  Nets,  Etc. 

Teutfopolis,    Illinois 


o 


for 


Quick  Service  and  Quality 

Hardware     -     Paints 

Farm  Implements     -     Tractors 


Come  to  us,  we  have  it  at  low  prices. 


WEBER  BROS. 

TEUTOPOLIS,  ILLINOIS 


—  140  — 


Quality  Merchandise 

WITH 

Lower    Prices 

^  Furniture,    Floor    Coverings, 
Window  Shades, 
Curtain    Rods,     Wall     Paper, 

Glass,    Paints, 
Sewing      Machines,      Pianos, 
g  Phonographs, 

8       Carpet    Sweepers,    Toys, 


Uptmor's  Store 

Carries  an  up-to-date  line  of 

DRY  GOODS,  GROCERIES, 

SHOES,  GLASS  and 

QUEENSWARE 

Huckster   Truck   run  in    con- 
nection with  Store. 

Highest  prices  paid  for 
PRODUCE— Cash  or  Trade 

J.  H.  Uptmor 

TEUTOPOLIS,  ILLINOIS 


Baby  Carriages 
SPECIALTIES 

Grave  Markers 


B.  G.  HABING  &  GO.  i 


Home  Furnishers 

Funeral  Directors  § 

TEUTOPOLIS,    ILL     .      | 


r 


Worman  Printery  Inc. 


Teutopolis 


Illinois 


Fine  Commercial  and  Book  Printing.     We  make 
a  specialty  of  High  Grade  Book  Work. 


o,CHXHX)<«<e:*<e:>«cA:«M:e:^<:«HX» 


For  all  the  news  that's  fit  to  print  read 

The  Teutopolis  Press 


—  141  — 


i:KC^i:(<^o^:i^o^c^o^:^!:^p^(^^^ 


Chrysler  &  Lansbery 

Leaders  in 

Builders  Hardware 

Pc'ints,   Oils    and     Varnishes 

Gas  Engines  and  SejMrators 

I   CASEY,  ILLINOIS 

t  Central  Lumber  Co. 
g     Building    Materials 

g  of  all  kinds 

0  YARDS  AT 

§   Casey     and     Martinsville,  lU. 


%  I 

J.  Q.  Clark 

Drugs    and    Sundries 

g  Paints,    Varnishes   and    Wall 
g  Paper' 

i  CASEY,  ILLINOIS 


I      J.  H.  J.  Buenker 

g  Dealer  in 

^   Groceries,  Dry  Goods,  Shoes, 
and    Rubber    Goods,    Queens- 
ware,  Crockery  and  Paints 

Agent   for   the   Dr.   Hess  line. 

Fornis     Alpenkrauter,     Kow     Kare 
and  Bag  Balm  and  Ryde's  Quality 
:^  Feeds.  ^ 

Q    Eggs,   Poultry   and    Butter  bought    g 
g  for   Cash   or  Exchange. 

g    YOUR  PATRONAGE  SOLICITED 
§    Phone  38  Teutopolis,  III. 


Dr.  E.  A,  Weisenhorn 

Teutopolis,    Illinois 


Clem  Hoedebecke 

DEALER  IN 

General    Merchandise 

Teutopolis,   111. 

Highest  prices  paid  for  Eggs 
and  Poultry — Cash  or  Trade. 


c>«:HK«e»»:««8:(o^:8xo^:e»:^c8:^c8:to 


ac«io«c«8:8:8:e:b:«c8:^o^o«o«CM:i'.o 


Casey  Motor  Co. 

g  Lincoln  Fordson 

g  F-O-R-D 

«  Dealers 

g  CASEY,  ILLINOIS 


J.  V.  PRICE 

DEALER  IN 

All  Kinds  of 
Building   Material 

Phone  32  CASEY,  ILL. 


—  142  — 


ALBERT  THOELE    I 

Confectionery  and  Restaurant  ^ 

COLD    DRINKS   &   CIGARS  | 

Teutopolis,  Illinois  ^ 

Buehnerkemper      § 
Garage 

REPAIR  WORK 

Gasoline,    Oils    and    Stipplies 
Teutopolis,   111. 

VISIT 

ED  &  BERT'S  PLACE 

LUNCHES 

Fountain  Service 

Cold   Bottled   Drinks   .. 

U.  S.  POST  OFFICE  | 

KATE  M.  WEIS,  Postmistress       g 

JOHN  J.   WEIS,   Assistant  8 

JOHN  B.  WEIS,  Clerk  § 


o 

I  A.  E.  GOEBEL,  M.  D. 

^  Montrose,   Illinois 

Hardiek's    Garage 

LEO  HARDIER,  Proprietor 

Distributor  for 

AUBURN   and   FORD  CARS 

S'oriipe  ll(ttt<rie/<  ami  Strrire  Station. 
Work  Guaranteed 

TEUTOPOLIS,    ILLINOIS 

John  B.  Runde 

Oshkosh    Overalls    Merit    Clothing 

Men's    and    Boys'    Work    Clothes 

Rice  and  Hutchins   Shoes 

CLOTHING 
&  Gents'  Furnishings 

"SUITS"   Made-to-measure 
Goodrich  "Hi-Press"  Rubber  Foot- 
wear 

"Quality  and    Price    Assured" 


John  F.  Quatman  Lumber  Co.  | 

GOOD  LUMBER— QUICK!  | 

Just  the  right  kind  for  your  individual,  specific  require-  g 

ment.     Not  just  "Jumber"  but  the  kind  and  grade  to  meet  g 

your  pocketbook  and  "fill  the  bill" — quality  always!  § 

Our  many  years'  service  to  this  community  has  given  us  « 

an  expert  knowledge  of  lumber  which  is  entirely  to  your  ad-  § 

vantage — if  you'll  use  it.  8 

We  will  gladly  quote  on  your  new  work  as  well  as  re-  8 

pairing  material  needs.  8 

TEUTOPOLIS,  ILLINOIS  | 

«c8»:8»3:eceK8:e»:e:8:8»:8»:ec8:e^^^  g 

Horace  Warner,  Pres.  and  Treas.      Alice  G.  Weinstein,  Sec'y-  § 

Warner-Randolph  Co.  I 

CLOTHING     AND     FURNISHINGS  | 

CASEY,    ILLINOIS  | 


Table  of  Contents 


PAGE 
INTRODUCTION   7 

PART  I— HISTORY  OF  THE  VILLAGE  OF  TEUTOPOLIS 

CHAPTER  I— The  German  Land  Company— Purchase  of  the  Land— Platting 
of  the  Land — Allotment  of  the  Land — Original  Members  of  the  German 
Land  Company  of  Cincinnati,  Ohio,  1838   9 — 18 

CHAPTER    II— The    Founding    of    Teutopolis,    April    1839.— The    Civil    War, 

1861— Beginning  of  the  Settlement  19-20 

CHAPTER  III— Chronicje  of  Pioneer  Days  from  1839  to  the  Beginning  of 
the  Civil  War,  1861 — Agriculture — Beginning  of  the  Village — First 
Houses  in  the  Village — Post  Office — First  Stores — First  Mill — Incor- 
poration of  Village — First  Village  Elections — First  Flag — Frauds  at 
Elections — Violent  Windstorm — First  Sawmill — Projected  Railroad — 
Waschefort's   Combination   Flour  and   Saw   Mill   20 — 24 

GLIMPSES  OF  PIONEER  LIFE 

First  Homes — Food  Supplies — Clothing — Sicknesses — Plowing — Har- 
vesting— Threshing — Transfer  of  Land — Horse  and  Cattle  Buyers — 
Hunting  in  Early  Days — Amusements — New  Year — Epiphany — Shrove 
Tuesday — Marriage  Customs — Superstition  of  the  Old  Settlers— The 
Old  Stage  Coach  and  Mail  Route — Politics  and  Patriotism — Description 
of  Teutopolis  in   1842   24—44 

CHAPTER  IV— From  the  Beginning  of  the  Civil  War,  A.  D.  1861—1900  44—54 

CHAPTER  V— The  Chronicle  continued  from  A.  D.  1900— May  20,  1926  55—80 

PART  II.— HISTORICAL  SKETCH  OF  ST.  PETER'S  RESPECTIVE- 
LY ST.  FRANCIS  OF  ASSISSl  PARISH 

CHAPTER  I— St.  Peter's  in  Charge  of  the  Secular  Clergy  81-90 

CHAPTER  II— St.  Francis  Parish  in  Charge  of  the  Franciscans  91—108 

CHAPTER  III— Biographies  of  Pastors  of  the  Parish  109—116 

CHAPTER  IV— Sons  of  the  Parish  117—122 

CHAPTER  V— Daughters  of  the  Parish  122—123 

CHAPTER  VI— Statistics  124—125 

CHAPTER  VII— Schools   and   Teachers  126—129 

CHAPTER  VIII— Societies  130—134 

CHAPTER  IX— Cemeteries  134—135 


■..;:v^v 


'-^■im. 


